All-new 2022 Toyota GR 86 Unveiled at Last
Four and a half months after the new 2022 Subaru BRZ, Toyota today unveiled the second generation of its 86 sports coupe. As we suspected, it will now be called “GR 86” following other Toyota models from the GAZOO Racing series, namely the GR Supra we all know and the hot little GR Yaris sold in Europe.
Once again, the BRZ and GR 86 were jointly developed. The latter has been slightly delayed because Toyota wanted to create more separation between the two cars. As a result, “the new GR 86 is specially designed for sports performance, and provides direct and satisfying driving performance of the highest order,” the company claims.
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In terms of size, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 is almost identical to the outgoing model. The use of aluminum for the roof panels lowers the centre of gravity, while aluminum fenders and updated front seats and mufflers contribute to reduced weight. What’s more, torsional rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 50 percent, which will improve stability and handling.
As is the case with the BRZ, the four-cylinder boxer engine in the GR 86 increases its displacement from 2.0 litres to 2.4 litres. It now generates 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Max power is still accessible at 7,000 rpm, with a redline at 7,400 rpm. Expect 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.3 seconds―down from the 7.4 seconds of the outgoing 205-hp model.
Toyota engineers have also worked to enhance engine responsivess across the rev range. We definitely look forward to putting the new GR 86 to the test both on the road and the track to see the actual changes. By the way, customers will once again have the choice of a manual or automatic transmission, each one with six forward gears.
The GR 86 benefits from aerodynamic components featured on 86 models that participate in motorsports. These include air outlets, side sill spoilers and other parts that improve steering responsiveness and stability. Up front, there’s a GR-specific “Functional MATRIX” grille and redesigned headlights. The wheels and taillights are new, as well.
Inside, the steering wheel is on the right side because the model pictured here has Japanese specifications. Still, we can see that the cockpit is a bit cleaner, more refined and more technologically advanced. The gauges are replaced by a seven-inch TFT display with an opening animation sequence inspired by the piston movements of the horizontally opposed engine.
Oh, and one more thing: all versions equipped with an automatic transmission will use Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology to help avoid or reduce collision impacts.
The new 2022 Toyota GR 86 will go on sale in Japan toward the end of this year. Details for North America have yet to be announced (the 2022 BRZ will arrive this fall). Keep following The Car Guide in the next few weeks as we will have more information to share.
