First Drive: Toyota GR86

First Drive: Toyota GR86

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Sportscars have been around for decades, and as I'm sure you know, there is a larger divide among enthusiasts as to who makes the best. American Muscle has been the go-to for people who enjoy straight-line speed and powerful exhaust notes. The Euro car scene tends to attract the more clinical drivers who enjoy the thrills of driving fast with fewer issues. The last and arguably most significant scene is JDM or the Japanese Domestic Market. These cars are typically lighter with smaller, more tuneable engines and thrive going sidewards. 

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These movements have been propelled by different movies and creators. The Fast and Furious franchise has, in large part, sparked interest in these car cultures. Builders like Smokey Nagata have impressed fans, particularly in the JDM group, with the crazy power figures and speeds he can squeeze out of various cars. However, one car has been capturing the imaginations of many young drivers for over a decade, not necessarily for its speed but rather its looks, enjoyment and lack of rear traction: The Toyota GT86. It's massively popular due to its relatively affordable price and the fact that it was the cheapest car to come with a limited-slip differential, making it one of the most exciting cars for the money.

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The only issue with the GT86 is that it lacks power. Many believed that the answer to the power struggle was to add a turbo or even a supercharger. However, the folks at Toyota strongly disagree, which raised the question among enthusiasts as to why Toyota decided to put a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated motor into their improved chassis. To my surprise, they knocked it out of the park with this new motor, precisely what the GT86 needed.

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Driving: Improving on the GT86 formula 

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Being a GT86 owner, I have always enjoyed the lively and engaging driving characterises of the 86 and the GR86 shares the same characteristics in a more refined and enthusiastic package. The chassis has been reinforced, allowing for more responsive inputs and better predictability. 

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Toyota also upgraded the wheels and tyres that not only complement the car's aesthetics but also provide decent cornering speeds and confidence. Highway driving is good, too; it handles speed well, however, it does tend to have some road noise at higher speeds. The ride quality is more comfortable than that of the GT, but it's still on the side of firm. Then again, it is a sportscar. 

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What concerned the motoring world most, however, was this new motor. The new 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine produces 175 kW of power with 250 Nm of torque, which is what the GR86 needed. Finally, the 86 has the necessary power without the torque dip, which plagues the GT86 in the 4-5 r/min range. 

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It's punchy and incredibly responsive, allowing you to get off the line and experience decent pulling power in the lower rev spectrum. It also allows you to slide with significant ease despite the better tyres. As for the gearbox, you still get the same mechanical short-shift feel, and the auto isn't too bad, either. It's practically a sin, though, opting for an auto 'box in a car as engaging and driver-focused as the GR86.  

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Rounded Exterior

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The new GR86 is a stunner; with an entirely new shape, bigger wheels and the same exhaust. The side skirts add to the sporty nature of the already stunning body, and the front is more aggressive than its predecessor's. The GR86 is more rounded and seemingly less flat than the GT – an aspect that should appeal to the buyer looking for a smidgeon of elegance. 

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The 18" wheel fills the arches nicely; however, there is quite a significant gap between the top of the wheel and the body, which isn't particularly noticeable. The GR86 is a stunning car, to say the least, and turns heads wherever it goes. 

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Polished Interior

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Being such a refined sportscar, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by the interior. Toyota maintained the classy but sporty nature of the 86 with modern creature comforts. The leather and Ultrasuede seats are comfortable and support you well in the corners, while there are also suede touches on the dash and doors. Although basic, the infotainment system is easy to use and blends well into the dashboard. The seating position was praised in the GT86 and is just as good in the GR; however, I would be okay with a more adjustable steering column. The climate control interface is pleasing to behold, and the console is more user-friendly, meaning your drinks won't get in the way of your shifts, with decent amounts of space to store your items. 

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All the driving aids did somewhat dull my driving experience on the automatic derivative. A shouty lane-keep assistance system and a collision avoidance system can rattle a driver during an overtake, making the more basic, raw manual a more freeing drive. 

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The last thing I need to touch on about the interior is the rear seats, or rather the lack thereof. An average-sized person wouldn't be able to move the seat far enough forward to seat even a child in the back, which, as far as I'm concerned, makes this a two-seater. 

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Owning the GR86

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Traditionally, the GT86 was an affordable sportscar – just half the cost of the GR86. The manual GR86 comes in at R698,100, while the auto will set you back R733,700. Sure, inflation, exchange rates and import taxes play a significant role, but that's a lot of money, no matter how you slice it! For the capital outlay, you'll also receive a 6-year/90,000 km service plan and a 3-year/100,000 km warranty. 

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True to the brilliance of the 86?

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The GR86 is everything the GT86 needed. The 2.4-litre engine answers the power issue and heightens the 86 driving experience, with instant response and more power, particularly off the line. The GR86 is a lively, raw driving experience that allows you to feel like you are driving on the edge, despite its smaller power figures.

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It's everything the 86 needed whilst maintaining its enthusiastic and highly responsive driving characteristics. What a car!

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