- The Toyota GR86, which has a GR badge and is available with both automatic and manual gearboxes, will debut in 2022.
- The increase in engine size from 2.0L to 2.4L produces 228hp and 184lb-ft of torque (formerly 205hp and 156 lb-ft).
- The anticipated launch date is November 2021, with an MSRP that begins under $30K.
- More useful torque is produced by an improved engine, which also offers linear acceleration without the need for boost.
In This Article...
THE BACKSTORY
Since more than a decade ago, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be invited to a lot of media-only test drives when I frequently feel like the smallest fish in the pond. You can imagine how frightening it can become when journalists from publications like Road & Track, Car & Driver, and Motor Trend are there. At times, I even feel like I’m out of my league. Some seasoned journalists have been evaluating automobiles for longer than I have lived, in addition to putting in hundreds more of laps at the racetrack. However, there are some new car launches where I believe I can add value, particularly when discussing a vehicle’s aftermarket potential and enthusiast appeal. That was the situation when I went to Monticello Motor Club to check out the brand-new Toyota GR 86 for 2022.
MORE ACCEPTABLE ENGINE
The new GR 86’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is the main talking point. My initial response was that I seriously doubted it. I pleaded for a turbo, just like many of you. In fact, months earlier, there had been whispers that the rear-wheel-drive coupe may be powered by a similarly enhanced 2.4-liter engine from the Subaru Ascent. I was surprised that the increase in displacement would only be.4 liters (+8mm bore), resulting in a 23hp boost and a 28 lb-ft increase in torque. Before I ever got behind the wheel of one, I was already looking into who would be creating supercharger or turbo solutions for the GR 86 because it didn’t seem like enough. But let’s just say that when I did finally go to Monticello Motor Club, I was pleasantly delighted.
The current-generation 86’s gutless 2.0-liter engine, which produced only about 200 horsepower and was insufficient to overtake a Sienna minivan off the mark, cried out for improvement. With a bit more oomph to its step228hp and 184lb-ft of torque, the new GR 86 corrects that. The GR’s 2.4-liter engine therefore gives useable torque that starts lower in the powerband and peaks at 3,700RPM, which means that I don’t have to stomp my foot on the gas pedal and pound my fist on the steering wheel to get more power (eliminating the dreaded “torque dip). This engine generally revs and breathes much more freely. The new GR 86 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds as opposed to the earlier model’s flat-out 7 seconds (MT only). The stats don’t lie, even though the 86 was never intended to be a straight-line car. Significantly better acceleration results in a more forgiving and enjoyable car to operate when turning.
I spent four hours on the track, and despite that, I never felt the need for turbo. The Michelin Pilot Sport tires and factory brakes were getting all the work they could handle as I pushed the envelope of my poor driving abilities. I continued to beam after each workout despite the lack of boost. Unlike the previous generation, which made me want more.
STILL HANDLES WELL
While lack of power was always the FA20’s major gripe, both the first and second generation Toyota vehicles excelled in handling and had a low center of gravity. The GR has significantly improved in each of the aforementioned areas. Although they have been somewhat modified, the chassis and suspension parts are essentially the same (in fact, I heard many aftermarket parts should swap right over from the previous gen). The GR 86 still has MacPherson-type front struts, double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension, and 11.6/11.4-inch vented brakes in addition to having a Torsen slip rear differential. The main improvements, which include 50% more torsional rigidity (more adhesive and stronger steel), retuned springs and shocks, lower strut connections, and more rigid steering box, as well as aluminum hood, roof, and front fenders for better weight control, are made in the fine-tuning of all these components. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that come standard on the Premium GR 86 are excellent, as I can verify.
DREADFUL AUTOMATIC TRUTH
Despite the new GR 86 six-speed automatic’s improved shift mapping and paddle shifters, I really didn’t enjoy it on the track. I would frequently hit the paddles repeatedly while waiting for the right gear to engage, yelling for it to downshift or upshift when I wanted it to. It was annoying and diminished the overall experience.
Unfortunately, the current-generation 86 has a 70% take rate for automatics vs six-speed transmissions. The Toyota team anticipates a take rate of up to 80% with the new GR 86. Regular car customers and the younger generation are a disappearing breed when it comes to manual transmissions. Soon, only seasoned enthusiasts will value and appreciate it. The GR 86 might eventually become like the GR Supra, with no manual option in sight, therefore my suggestion is to not take a six-speed manual for granted!
MORE MODERN AND PREMIUM
Everyone can agree that Toyota updated the GR 86’s dated cockpit and design with something deserving of a hip sports coupe for the modern day. The 8-inch touchscreen, 7-inch digital dash (tachometer changes while in track mode), Apple CarPlay, pronounced rear arches, functioning air vents (unlike the GR Supra), standard LED lights all-around, and a cute duckbill spoiler are some of my favorite features (Premium model only). Seven other colors will be available for the new GR 86, of which I’m instantly drawn to Trueno Blue (such a name!).
WORTHY OF THE GR BADGE
Although Gazoo Racing (GR) is a brand that is still unfamiliar to us in the United States, it has long been linked to Toyota’s highest-performing goods, whether it be prototype racing cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, flying across the Sahara in the Dakar Rally, or the coveted GR Supra or GR Yaris. The GR brand is the brainchild of Toyota president Akio Toyoda, Toyota responded emphatically when I inquired if the GR 86 will live up to all that grandeur. Akio is a test driver and a strong supporter of on-track performance. To create the best possible circuit-ready sports vehicle, Gazoo Racing drivers and engineers worked diligently on the most recent GR 86 in Japan. After spending the day at Monticello, I can attest that the GR team enhanced the original 86 without the use of a turbocharger.
In addition, the GR 86 will be the first Toyota marketed in America with the GR accessory line, which consists of forged wheels, stabilizer bars, a short shifter, a sport exhaust, a cold-air intake, and sport exhaust.
BOLD PREDICTION
When writing this, I had high hopes of having a brand-new GR 86 waiting in my driveway. Unfortunately, the anticipated on-sale date has been delayed to November 2021, thus there won’t likely be any GR 86 builds at the SEMA Show this year. If you can recall, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ were the talk of SEMA 2012 at the time. Because of the timing issue and the fact that the GR 86 is a second-generation vehicle, I can say with confidence that this car won’t sound quite as loud as it did ten years ago. Though it might not be the “vehicle of SEMA 2021,” I’ll go so far as to say it might be the “track car of 2022!” Nevertheless, I will say that this car feels substantially more refined and is a significantly better car than the previous-gen. It’s ideal for newcomers and learners in stock form (something I could see SoCal residents take out to an event like Starting Grid right off the bat). The GR 86 may be modified by intermediate/expert drivers to achieve faster lap times without the use of forced induction. There’s no need to rush out and purchase a GReddy turbo kit or worry about the dependability or added expenses associated with having boost. The new GR 86 is beautiful because it has a strong foundation, more useful torque, and a more stable sports vehicle. I can only think what the aftermarket can achieve after they maximize the 2.4-liter’s potential for power, add additional traction, reduce weight where practical, and adjust the suspension. Compared to the previous model, this coupe will be more enjoyable to drive and more rewarding to own. And best of all, the GR 86 carries the torch of Toyota’s newest track-bred GR moniker while living up to the spirit of the inexpensive, rear-wheel-drive, lightweight AE86 Corolla. What more could you ask for for less than $30,000?
The Toyota 86 is turbocharged, right?
Ever since the first generation rear-wheel-drive Toyota GT86 was introduced in 2012, Americans have been clamoring for a turbocharged version of the vehicle. “We demand more power,” yelled a number of media outlets and fans. Toyota resisted back then, and it resisted today. A GT86 with a turbocharger is not available at a Toyota showroom.
The market will, however, ultimately produce a turbocharged upgrade when car customizers looking to give a more enticing GT86 and sports car enthusiasts seeking more power combine.
Just that the name “GT86” has changed. The new model, which was introduced in 2021 and is currently in its second generation, has adopted the designation “GR86,” which denotes that it is a specialist model created and manufactured by Toyota’s in-house racing division Gazoo Racing. Again, no, this variant lacks a turbo simply because Toyota intends to maintain the price of this sporty coupe below $30,000 and within the means of both young and older sports car enthusiasts, according to Gazoo.
Toyota decided to leave this major alteration to the dozens of auto tuners who were ready and waiting to install a turbo and enhance the suspension and brakes required for the additional power.
Here comes TOM’S, a renowned and well-respected customizer working solely with Toyota sports cars in Japan. Tom’s unveiled their “TOM’S GR86 Turbo” at the recently held 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan’s largest car customization show, which was held in mid-January at the Makuhari Messe complex just east of Tokyo. This demonstrated that fully fitted “complete cars” boasting more power and meaner aerokits are definitely conceivable.
How powerful is the Toyota 86’s engine?
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine is standard on the 86. With the six-speed manual transmission, it generates 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, and the six-speed automatic transmission, an additional 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
Is there a turbo on the BRZ?
Since the release of the first model, fans have yearned for a more potent Subaru BRZspecifically, one with a turbocharger, similar to the WRX. Jason Fenske, host of Engineering Explained, is content that the 2022 Subaru BRZ’s makeover does not have a turbocharger. This is why.
A 2.4-liter flat-4 engine replaces the 2.0-liter one found in the first version of the BRZ. More power was produced by the increase in displacement. In contrast to the previous model’s 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, the 2022 model has 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Subaru does have a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque that is currently found in the Ascent, Legacy, and Outback. Why then does not the BRZ engine also have a turbocharger?
According to Fenske, gearing is one reason why the BRZ is better off without a turbocharger. Because the redline of the normally aspirated engine is greater than that of the turbocharged engine (7,000 rpm), more aggressive gearing is possible. Despite the BRZ engine’s lesser output, Fenske claimed that these elements should result in a more potent seat-of-the-pants acceleration sensation.
A turbocharger upgrade for the BRZ can be challenging as well. Fenske pointed out that the Ascent features a bottom-mounted turbo, a design that would be difficult in the BRZ because of how low the engine is positioned in the chassis. Additionally, by keeping the center of gravity low, handling is improved. The turbo engine’s power advantage is partially offset by its weight, according to Fenske.
Another benefit of a naturally aspirated engine is improved throttle response and control. Though they no longer experience the infamous “turbo lag” of the past, modern turbo engines will never be as responsive as naturally aspirated engines. Plus, the aftermarket will probably be glad to assist if you really want a turbocharged 2022 BRZ.
Does the Toyota 86 from 2022 have a turbo?
The GR 86 is a continuation of cars with racing at their core. Its far more aerodynamic shape, along with the revised roof and front fenders, enable it to move quickly through the circuit. Air is channeled at high speeds with the aid of functional vents in the front and back. According to TechCrunch, the framework is more solid and high-strength steel provides much-needed support to the front and back. In its upgrade, the GR 86 added 77 pounds, but the new components balance the weight distribution to make the vehicle swift.
Sadly, the upgrade does not include the highly desired turbocharged engine. We are not aware of any upcoming models that will have a turbo engine. Even without the additional boost, the GR 86 is still a fantastic track toy. The Mazda MX-5 is the only real rival for the GR 86 at this pricing, according to TechCrunch.
How potent is the Toyota 86?
The 2.0-liter flat-four boxer engine that powers the 2020 Toyota 86’s hood produces excellent horsepower and torque numbers. This unique engine sits very low in the chassis, which improves performance and balance. It also boasts horizontally opposed pistons and a small package. Drivers have a choice between a quick-shifting, electronically controlled automatic transmission with paddle shifters and sequential shift mode, which sends 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, or a six-speed manual transmission that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota 86 Performance Features
Every time you go behind the wheel of the 2020 Toyota 86, you can enjoy a fantastic driving experience thanks to its extensive selection of performance features. The 2020 Toyota 86 is equipped with a variety of high-performance features, such as vehicle stability control, multiple driving modes, Brembo brakes, sport tires, a handling package, a Torsen limited slip differential, direct injection, a sport-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars, a multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, sport-calibrated electric power steering, among others.
Toyota 86: Is it JDM?
Through the release of a GT-86/BRZ in Japan that has been stripped down to its bare essentials, Toyota and Subaru are honoring motoring aficionados. Purist refers to the lack of things that racers would be least interested in having on their cars, potentially enhancing performance while cutting the price.
The purist package, known as RA and RC, respectively, receives an interior without air conditioning, stereo/speakers, cup holders, door lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel; hand brake and shift knob, aluminum pedals, decorative silver trim inside, stainless sill plates, and no trunk lamp; trim or matt. It will be available in Japan starting in March for a base price of 2,058,000 yen ($26,490 / 16,750) for the BRZ and 1,990,000 y
The majority of want tobe purists will draw the line on the outside, where Subaru/Toyota really demonstrates how far they are prepared to go to show that the RA/RC package is designed for true driving aficionados. Toyota offers unpainted flat black door handles, side mirror housings, front and rear bumpers (painted on BRZ). Fog lamps, fold-down side mirrors, and a rear spoiler are all no longer present. However, Toyota replaces the elegant 17-inch alloy wheels with genuine sleeper wheels, 16-inch steel wheels with 205/55R tires, as the last and most significant deletion.
Not a lot has been taken away for mechanicals. The plastic engine cover that sits on top of the intake manifold has been removed, in addition to the absence of the air conditioning compressor to drag on the engine. All corners measure 15 inches in diameter, which is slightly less than the 16-inch front discs offered on the higher R and S spec vehicles. Ventilated brake disks are removed from the rear brakes. The removal of the torsen (torque sensitive) rear differential in favor of a mechanical diff, as Chris Harris previously noted, is the biggest change.
Not only is the purest package 40 kg (88 lbs) lighter, but the price tag is also quite pure. The base BRZ is priced at 24,995 in the UK, which is about 8,795 more than the purist in Japan if you compare straight in-market values at the current exchange rate. Pricing has not yet been revealed for the U.S.
Although it is unknown whether the RC and RA purist trim kits will be sold abroad, don’t bank on it.