New Toyota GR 86 makes UK debut at Festival of Speed Car News

Toyota presented the new GR 86 Coupe, the successor to the GT86, to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The rear-wheel-drive four-seater made its dynamic debut at the event’s famous hill climb, before going on sale later this year.

The lightweight coupe was unveiled earlier this year alongside the new second-generation Subaru BRZ, with which it was co-developed. The new BRZ, which was first presented last November, will not be offered in Europe. Toyota says both models were developed out of “friendly rivalry” and will both offer a “distinct driving feel”.

While the original GT86 and BRZ used a 2.0-liter engine, the new version, as expected, comes equipped with Subaru’s horizontally opposed 2.4-liter four-cylinder petrol unit. The GR 86 will be launched in Japan and will offer 232 hp and 184 lb-ft, compared to 197 hp and 151 lb-ft of the GT86. It can sprint 0-62mph in 6.3sec, which is 1.1s faster than its predecessor.

Peak power is offered at 7,000 rpm, with the uit capable of spinning at 7,400 rpm. Japanese buyers will have a choice between manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. The GR 86 is also equipped with Subaru’s Eyesight driver assistance systems.

Toyota says the emphasis has been on maintaining the “essential driving pleasure” characteristics of the GT86, which was launched in 2012, and that a key part of that has been to minimize weight. The new car has a claimed curb weight of 1270 kg, which is 5 kg less than the original. Toyota claims this was achieved through features like the use of an aluminum roof and body panels.

The GR 86 has virtually identical dimensions to its predecessor, measuring 4,265mm long and 1,310mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,575mm. This has helped Toyota keep the center of gravity low, and the firm says the new model’s torsional stiffness has been increased by around 50%, which translates into “even sharper handling and steering.”

The new model also includes front air ducts and aerodynamic side panels, which Toyota says are based on lessons from its motorsport programs and facilitate handling and stability.

Inside, Japanese versions of the GR 86 will feature a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as part of what Toyota says is an improved, driver-focused dashboard design.

While the GR 86 will go on sale in Japan later this year, a specific UK and European launch date of 2022 has yet to be confirmed. Toyota says more details will be given later this year.