GR86

Make
Toyota
Segment
Coupe

Toyota's junior sports coupe, the new 2022 GR 86, was revealed as a JDM prototype in April this year. The covers also came off the closely related Subaru BRZ recently and both will aim to continue providing an engaging driving experience that doesn't break the bank - think Mazda MX-5 but in coupe form.

Now, the official debut of the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has been announced. Many of the technical details have been shared before but we now have new 0-60 times (0-62 mph times were quoted previously), the two trim options that will be offered here, as well as when you can expect the GR 86 to hit local showrooms.

Now called the GR 86 and not just the 86, this seemingly subtle change underscores the upgrades and engineering expertise of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team in the development of the new coupe.

One of the criticisms of the previous 86 was its lack of power but the new one is better in this regard. The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, up from 205 hp/156 lb-ft previously. Equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox, it will reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds (down from seven seconds) and in a much-improved 6.6 seconds with the six-speed automatic transmission (down from eight seconds).

As before, the GR 86 is a true purists' car and directs its power to the rear wheels exclusively. Its approximate weight is estimated at around 2,800 pounds which isn't much more than the previous model, so it should be just as agile to drive.

If you've seen the JDM prototype, you've seen the GR 86. The production model is virtually indistinguishable from the previously released images. The base GR 86 wears 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP rubber while the GR 86 Premium gets forged black 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Both have LED headlights and a functional Matrix "G Mesh" grille. The seven exterior colors include Track bRed, Halo White, Neptune Blue, and Steel Grey. Going for the Premium gets you a rear duckbill spoiler.

Inside, the GR 86 has taken a step up in comfort and technology. An eight-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. The entry-level model gets a six-speaker sound system and the Premium throws in another two speakers. When equipped with the auto gearbox, an array of driver-assist technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning is included.

Every Toyota GR 86 will come with the brand's three-year/36,000-mile warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Factory-scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance are covered for the first 25,000 miles or two years. For now, Toyota has not revealed pricing of the GR 86 or GR 86 Premium but the coupe is expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2021.