The Toyota 86 coupe for 2020 is swift. Off the assembly line, it can reach a top speed of 140 mph. When fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is quicker than the Honda Civic Coupe and on par with the Subaru BRZ. The 2.0L flat-four engine beneath the hood is to blame for this. It produces 151 lb-ft of torque and 200 horsepower. Additionally, the flat-four engine helps the 86 achieve exceptional fuel efficiency. The EPA’s official estimates are 24/32/27 mpg. The limited-slip differential for the 86 is a noteworthy standard feature.
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Performance Package
The Toyota 86’s primary goal is to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. The Toyota 86 TRD Handling package, which attempts to turn an already incredibly well-handling coupe into something that was born for a racetrack and twisting roads, will be appreciated by those who cherish a fun-to-drive vehicle. Aside from performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for unmatched traction and road feel, the TRD Handling package also includes sport-tuned Sachs performance shocks for precise balance and handling, performance Brembo brakes for responsive, confident control, and performance Brembo brakes.
Standard Features
The 86 performs equally well on the track and as an everyday car. A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, and other communication capabilities are included as standard. LED headlights, sports seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a rearview camera are further standard amenities.
How many horsepower is a Toyota 86 turbo engine?
According to a TOM’S representative, adding a turbo and intercooler to the car’s basic 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, which produces 228 horsepower, increases output to 300 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Tom’s strengthened the chassis, fitted height-adjustable sports suspension, larger 19-inch wheels and tires, and larger 4-piston calipers with custom rotors and brake pads to take the car’s handling, rigidity, brakes, and appearance to the next level. However, TOM’S painted it a striking shade of orange, made custom front and rear diffusers, added a rear trunk spoiler, widened the front and rear fenders, and made a distinctive front bumper.
With those enhancements, the base GR86’s $29,000 price tag becomes $59,000, putting it in the same ballpark as the 480-hp Mustang Mach 1 and the 382-hp 3.0-liter GR Supra. In order to keep costs low, it is clear that Toyota has not officially marketed a turbocharged GR86.
Although TOM’S has suppliers in nations like the United States, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, and Russia, it is yet unknown whether these special parts will be made available to its international partners.
The Toyota 86 will receive a turbo, right?
- 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.
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?
Can a four-cylinder engine defeat an eight?
Many modern four-cylinder engines are now more powerful than V8 engines, but others are still far behind.
There are now more 4-cylinder automobiles on our roads than ever thanks to the downsizing trend that has swept the automotive industry in recent years. Even sportier automobiles’ engines have been downsized from V6s and even V8s to comply with tight emissions regulations, as manufacturers are continuously working to cut fuel consumption and increase efficiency levels. Big blocks and HEMI engines are nearing the end of their useful lives and may soon be relegated to the pages of history rather than an engine bay.
Thank goodness, forced induction has allowed many of the most recent 4-cylinder sports vehicles to maintain their performance capabilities and even their exhaust tones. Nevertheless, there are still some excruciatingly slow 4-cylinder sports cars and budget cars that really make us long for a respectable V6 or V8 beneath the hood.
If you’re in the market for a 4-cylinder car, you may use our list of the best and worst performers to determine what to avoid.
Is the Toyota 86 lacking in power?
People claim to want the Toyota 86 as their next vehicle. It sports a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine, a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. It has properly weighted steering and is lightweight and nimble. It has two buttons for disabling traction control but essentially no other electronic nanny capabilities. It’s a ton of fun if you have access to some crooked roads.
But driver’s cars don’t always make the best daily drivers
While my wife had morning sickness during pregnancy, I drove her in the 86. That was erroneous. The 86 is abrupt and rough; the amount of outside noise that enters the cabin is as pure as the driving itself. Nothing that resembles a calm mode is available. When you’re going around the corner to fetch some milk, thrashing through the gearbox becomes tiring. It is simply plain unpleasant to be driving at almost 4,000 rpm in sixth gear on the highway. It’s challenging to make an 86 work if you’re not single and have a masochistic streak.
And yeah, it could use more power
The Toyota 86 has received the most criticism over its power output. Given its weight, it doesn’t feel underpowered, but a turbocharger’s added low-end power would be evident in daily drive. The 86’s appearance makes every sports car driver around you uncomfortable. And unless you reside on a treacherous Californian canyon road, they will easily pass you by. For the following generation, anticipate Toyota and Subaru to correct that.
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.