The all-new Toyota GR 86 makes its world premiere
In an online event hosted by Toyota Gazoo Racing and the Subaru Corporation, the highly anticipated Toyota GR 86 made its official world debut. The GR 86 will become the third model to join the GR family and will be amongst the widely praised GR Supra and GR Yaris models.
The GR 86 will get an all-new lightweight four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine that produces an impressive 173kW of power and 250 Nm of torque (still awaiting local market confirmation). The vehicle’s dimensions will be very similar to its predecessor, allowing the GR 86 to maintain a low centre of gravity, making for excellent agile handling. The torsional rigidity also gets increased by around 50 percent, which delivers sharper handling and steering.
In terms of its body, the GR 86 will be the lightest four-seater coupe in its class, and this is thanks to its weight-saving approaches which see aluminium being used for both the roof and body panels. The GR 86 will be 4,265mm in length, 1,775mm in width, and will get a wheelbase of 2,575mm. The GR 86 will adopt some of the loving characteristics of the original GT86 and will come featured with 215/40R18 tyres.
The GT86 has also played a big part in the development of the functioning aerodynamic components for the GR 86, such as the front air ducts and side-rocker panels. This will further help the GR 86 achieve outstanding handling and stability. When the GR 86 will hit the local market, Toyota has announced that it will debut its first quarter of 2022.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Toyota GR 86 cost in South Africa?
Toyota hasn't released official South African pricing yet, but expect the GR 86 to cost around R650,000 to R750,000 when it arrives in early 2022, positioning it as a premium sports coupe above the standard 86 model.
Q: Is the Toyota GR 86 worth buying over the old GT86?
Absolutely, the GR 86 brings a significantly more powerful 2.4-litre engine with 173kW compared to the GT86's 147kW, plus 50% better torsional rigidity and improved aerodynamics, making it a proper upgrade rather than just a facelift.
Q: What engine does the Toyota GR 86 have and how much power does it make?
The GR 86 packs a brand new lightweight 2.4-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that produces 173kW of power and 250Nm of torque, a substantial increase over its predecessor's output.
Q: When will the Toyota GR 86 be available in South Africa?
Toyota has confirmed the GR 86 will arrive in South Africa during the first quarter of 2022, so expect to see it in showrooms between January and March next year.
Q: How does the Toyota GR 86 compare to the GR Supra?
The GR 86 is the more affordable, lightweight sports car option with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission focus, while the GR Supra offers more power and luxury but at a significantly higher price point around R1.2 million.
Should You Buy It?
The Toyota GR 86 is absolutely worth buying if you want the best naturally aspirated sports coupe under R800,000 in South Africa. With 173kW from its new 2.4-litre engine, 50% better rigidity than before, and that classic rear-wheel drive setup, this is the sports car enthusiasts have been waiting for. At an expected R650,000 to R750,000, it offers genuine performance thrills without the massive price tag of the GR Supra, making it the sweet spot in Toyota's sports car lineup. If you loved the GT86 but wanted more power and sharper handling, the GR 86 delivers exactly that.
