2023 Toyota GR86 Performance

The engine in the previous Toyota 86 was the only major criticism of that car. It simply lacked the grunt to complement the vehicle's sparkling dynamics. Thankfully, things have improved in the new Toyota GR 86 which now produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its larger 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. As before, power goes to the rear wheels. With the manual gearbox, the GR 86 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, down from seven seconds in the outgoing model. If you choose the automatic, the sprint takes 6.6 seconds, a significant improvement on the previous model's eight seconds. The top speed is expected to be in the region of 140 mph. The mechanically identical Subaru BRZ should post similar performance figures, but the Mazda MX-5 is a little quicker off the mark according to independent tests. The new GR 86 is a car that still won't blow your mind with its performance in a straight line, but the improvements are welcome.

The new GR 86 remains naturally aspirated so Toyota was almost compelled to increase the engine size to extract more performance. The 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, up from the previous 2.0 liter's disappointing 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. Those numbers tell only part of the story, however, since the new car develops peak torque at 3,700 rpm, way lower than its predecessor's 6,400 rpm. This means that mid-range power and overtaking are less of a chore than before, although you can still have your fun and spin the power plant to 7,000 rpm if you're in the mood. Toyota has fitted an exhaust system with a larger 5.6L center pipe capacity for a more engaging growl, though there's definitely some computer-enhanced noise coming from the speakers. Whether it's real or fake, the GR 86's engine sounds more sonorous than the outgoing 86, which buzzed along like a blender. If you'd like even more noise from the tailpipe, Toyota will sell a GR performance cat-back exhaust with stainless steel pipes and black chrome tips.

Gearbox options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Although the latter has paddle shifters and a Sport mode, the manual is the easy choice in a car that offers such a pure, unfiltered drive in other respects. The manual has been optimized to suit the greater torque output of the larger engine. It offers slick engagement with a short throw, though a GR quick shifter kit is available for an even more precise feeling. Toyota improved the transmission gate, making it easier to move diagonally from 2nd to 3rd or 4th to 5th; we didn't miss a single shift. As with the shifter, the clutch pedal is short with a light feel and low bite point, making the GR 86 easy to drive in traffic. We also sampled the automatic transmission, which does a valiant job offering quick downshifts when you mash the throttle in automatic mode. However, the transmission refused to downshift on cue when we called for them using the paddle shifters. It's a decent automatic, but this car is best enjoyed with the stick.

With the bigger engine, the new Toyota GR 86 is less efficient than its predecessor. In manual guise, the EPA rates the GR 86 will return 20/27/22 mpg on city/highway/combined; the 2020 Toyota 86 manual managed 21/28/24 mpg. In automatic guise, these figures improve to 21/31/25 mpg, worse than the 24/32/27 mpg in the previous car.

The gas tank can hold 13.2 gallons, which equates to an average range of around 290 miles for the manual and 330 miles for the automatic.