The second-generation 2022 Toyota GR 86 has broken cover after a series of teasers, promising more driving thrills thanks to more power from a larger engine, a revised chassis and a 50 per cent stiffer body. Sharing the same chassis as its Subaru BRZ twin, which was also recently revealed in its second generation, the new GR 86 is reportedly due for Australian sales towards the end of 2021 or early 2022, replacing the existing Toyota 86.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said the new GR 86 will delight driving enthusiasts by building on the game-changing qualities of its predecessor, which became a halo car for Toyota.
“The new GR 86 has been specially designed for sports performance with precise and playful handling, delivering pure driving pleasure and a strong emotional connection between driver and car,” Mr Hanley said.
“It is a stylish, compact four-seater that draws on Toyota’s impressive sports-car heritage including the legendary 2000GT, Celica GT-Four, MR2 and original Supra, as well as its more recent GR siblings,” he said.
Stylistically, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 is clearly an evolution of the current car with a low slung and aggressive front end, a similar side profile to the old car and muscular hips for a sportier look. Aluminium roof and side panels have brought the car’s centre of gravity even lower for more engaging dynamics and a more fun driving experience.
On the inside of the 2022 Toyota GR 86, the old car’s dashboard has been turfed for a more modern, higher quality and more tech-filled interior that now features an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display and in automatic variants, Subaru’s EyeSight active safety systems – though considering manual Toyota models such as the GR Yaris offer tech like that, we aren’t sure why it’s limited to only automatic cars.
Using the same platform as the current 86 (and BRZ), the 2022 Toyota GR 86 measures 4,265mm in length, 1,775mm in width, 1,310mm in height and with a 2,575mm long wheelbase – 25mm longer with a 5mm longer wheelbase, as well as 10mm less tall than the current car, but with the same width.
Larger 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted on all models and unlike the previous car’s eco tyres, Michelin Pilot Super Sport 4 tyres are fitted as standard too. Expect actual grip this time around.
Under the bonnet of the 2022 Toyota GR 86 is a 173kW/250Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission – that’s 21kW and 38Nm more than the outgoing car’s smaller 2.0-litre engine. Its 1,270kg kerb weight is only 12kg more than the outgoing car as well, despite the added size and tech. The 0-100km/h sprint is completed in 6.3 seconds – a 1.1 second improvement over the current car.
Since its 2012 release, the Toyota 86 has amassed almost 21,000 sales in Australia – roughly 10 per cent of the car’s global sales tally. Local pricing and specs of the 2022 Toyota GR 86 are yet to be announced, though we’d expect pricing to increase given the added performance, tech and slight increase in the size of the car. Expect this second generation of Toyota’s iconic sports coupe to be another classic for the decades.
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