New 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine offers plenty of torque.
The new platform is stiffer for an improved driving experience.
The new 86 tips the scale at only 1,270kg.
Real drivers don’t exactly have access to a huge variety of true driver cars as some of us once did. This is why the affordable Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S) and Subaru BRZ were so successful. Even so, not all was perfect with the cars, according to some, which is why the all-new 2022 version is worth celebrating.
2022 Toyota GR 86 | Photo: Toyota
The main gripe was with power. And Toyota (and Subaru) have obliged by fitting a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,700 rpm (was 156 at 6,600 rpm). The newfound boost in power enables the 6-speed manual-equipped versions to reach 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (from 7.2) while the automatic sees its time drop to 6.8 seconds (from 8.2).
Behind the transmission are a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, tuned to put the power to good use. The suspension features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut up front and double wishbones in the rear.
Braking power, very important when carving mountain roads, is provided by 295- and 290-mm vented front and rear brakes which hide behind 17-inch Michelin Primacy HP tires on the base car. The Premium trim features 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires mounted on black 18-inch forged wheels.
2022 Toyota GR 86 | Photo: Toyota
For 2022, the Toyota GR 86 will be offered in two trims: base and Premium. The latter, other than the 18-inch wheels, will also include a rear duckbill spoiler, Alcantara/leather-wrapped seats, various leather-trimmed touchpoints, and silver-coloured accents. As standard, all 86 will get an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch display as part of the instrument panel.
Physically, the 86 retains its low and wide athletic look that is both classic and modern at once. The expressive front end is a GR-specific Functional MATRIX “G Mesh” grille which features numerous functional vents and side sill spoilers. Available colours for the car are: Track bRed, Trueno Blue, Neptune Blue, Halo White, Steel Grey, Pavement Grey, and Raven Black.
