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November 22, 2021
Test drive of the new GR86: Recommended for those who constantly seek exhilaration in their drive | TOYOTA
GR 86 | The Eight-Six Reimagined
Test drive of the new GR86: Recommended for those who constantly seek exhilaration in their drive
The Toyota 86, popular as an affordable sports car for adults, has undergone a full model change and debuted as the GR86. Approximately three months after its sister car, the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 was launched with great anticipation. We immediately test-drove it.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
A 2.4-liter engine for pure sports driving
While sports cars may not sell in huge numbers, they hold significant presence. It's a testament to Japanese automakers that they maintain sports models in their lineups. Currently drawing attention is the new "GR86," released by Toyota Motor Corporation on October 28, 2021. It's a relatively accessible sports car for adults.
As readers will know, the Toyota 86 (Hachi-Roku) is a sister car to the Subaru BRZ. When it was first released in 2012, the joint development between the two companies garnered attention. Subaru handled the development, including the horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine.
However, the new model sees Toyota Motor Corporation designing its own rear suspension, creating a distinct character. For car enthusiasts who thought having the same car wouldn't make sense, this is welcome news.
The engine and transmission are shared between the 86 and BRZ. The 2.4-liter engine developed by Subaru replaces the previous 2-liter unit. The benefit is increased torque, making it easier to handle across a wider range of engine speeds.
This time, we test-drove the top-grade "GR86 RZ" with both the automatic and manual transmissions. The manual transmission version, perhaps due to a slightly lower final gear ratio, suits the engine's character – with a maximum torque of 250 Nm, which isn't particularly high by today's standards – better. In other words, it's easier to drive.
The manual gearbox has short, precise throws between gears, allowing for satisfyingly crisp shifts. The clutch engagement point is set a bit high, but you quickly get used to it, making it unlikely to miss a shift even during rapid gear changes.
The engine prefers higher revs, and when you want to enjoy the drive, engaging it above 3000 rpm truly makes you feel "Ah, this is good." Around that range, the engine responds well to throttle input, allowing for subtle acceleration and deceleration, perfect for enjoying sporty driving.