Toyota GR86 gets better at being a driver’s car
In a world where sports cars are getting heavier, more complicated and increasingly reliant on turbochargers and electrification, the GR86 continues to keep things refreshingly simple with power sent to the rear axle, a naturally aspirated boxer engine and just enough kilowatts to have fun without needing to break the bank.
Now, Toyota has given the GR86 a few updates aimed at making an already likeable car even better.
For the most part, the enhancements take shape below the skin, while Toyota did add some cosmetic upgrades as well. For starters, the Solid Grey exterior shade is back, reviving a colour that was once offered on the 86 for a limited time from 2017. The interior, on the other hand, now boasts redesigned switches with ‘a more tactile feel’, while buyers can now also specify a black-and-red interior with red accents straight from the factory.
Toyota engineers have tweaked the throttle control settings for better responsiveness in situations that require precise acceleration control. The result is a more direct throttle feel and a better linear response. The electric power steering control has also been fine-tuned to eliminate wobble and nervousness at high speeds and over rough surfaces, making the steering more precise and predictable.
The 6-speed manual-equipped models get a widened shift interlock chamfer (+0.5mm), making the downshift from 5th to 4th smoother.
In terms of safety, the EyeSight driver-assist system from Subaru now uses a triple-camera setup, up from two, improving its ability to detect cars and pedestrians.
For now, Toyota SA says there is no confirmation on whether the updated GR86 will make its way to our market, so we’ll have to wait and see.
