Toyota unveils its new GR 86 sportscar

Toyota has finally pulled back the covers off its second-gen GR 86 sports car that will likely reach our shores before the end of the year. 

Following the GR Supra and GR Yaris, the new GR 86 is the third global model in TGR's GR series of sports cars. 

According to Toyota, the new model aims to bring improvements on all fronts while also keeping the vehicle lighter, thanks to the use of aluminium on the roof and fenders. 

The new Toyota 86 is 4 265 mm long, 1 775 mm wide and 1 310 mm tall as well as a wheelbase that measures 2 575 mm.

Toyota has improved the torsional rigidity by almost 50% and that has resulted in improved stability. 

A new 2.4-litre petrol engine replaces the predecessor’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 173 kW and 250 Nm. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed optional auto.

According to Toyota, the engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high revs.

For reference sake, the outgoing model’s 2.0-litre engine churns out 147 kW and 205 Nm. Granted, many dubbed those numbers as underpowered, but the crisp steering wheel and delicate chassis more than made up for it.

It hurtles from a standstill to 100 km/h  in 6.3 seconds - that’s 1.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing model. 

On the outside, the GR 86 is bolstered with aerodynamic enhancements, a tweaked front grille and LED headlights. There is also a MacPherson strut and double-wishbone setup at the back. 

It rides on 18-inch wheels shod with 215/40 rubber. 

The GR 86’s interior is fitted with a 7-inch digital driver’s display, an 8-inch infotainment system as well as GR badging on the steering wheel.

 A total of more than 200,000 units of the GT 86 have been sold worldwide, no doubt borne out by its relatively keen pricing point.