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The 2022 Toyota GT86, jointly developed with Subaru Corporation, is the successor to the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S. Its formula remains unchanged with a reasonably powered 2+2 that accentuates handling over power. Yet, the new GR 86 addresses many of the old model’s flaws without introducing any new ones. It is sure to attract a new generation of admirers without alienating the old ones. Engaging, agile, and responsive, the GR 86’s design has been directly impacted by the carmaker’s motorsport expertise for decades.
Incorporating the spirit of classic Toyota sports cars, the all-new GR 86 is one of a kind machine. The car provides a unique experience that emphasizes what matters - an authentic Toyota experience.
All-New Yet Instantly Familiar
With its polished aerodynamic profile, GR 86 makes a comeback with a stylishly new but familiar design, both on the outside and inside. An available rear duckbill spoiler and an aero stabilizing front bumper help the car drift through the wind while keeping contact with the road a little tighter. The new model’s styling is more contemporary and neater. The car has lost the gangly awkwardness of the old generation, trading it for a taut, sleeker shape with styling cues from the 90s automobiles. It looks better than the outgoing 86, and the new model is absolutely different in the attributes but pleasantly familiar in its overall shape.
The fundamental design is much the same underneath its skin, with a multilink setup in the back and the suspension by struts upfront. The body shell has been stabilized and tightened, and the wheelbase is a little longer. The roof and fenders are made of aluminum, like the hood in the previous generation. The car's center of gravity is lowered by 0.06 inches as a result of incremental weight loss, even as the new 86 is relatively heavier by around 40 pounds. Inside, the leather-adorned touchpoints and a 3-mode digital instrumentation panel highlight the GR 86's driver-focused cockpit. The back seats can be folded to make room for extra passengers or tires. This model preserves almost the same shape and size as the old car. The GR 86 is one of the very few models in the affordable sports-car segment that offers seating for four. However, the back seats are not the most spacious or comfortable.
An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard in the new model, replacing the last generation’s smaller 7-inch display. The GR 86 also comes with a 7-inch digital gauge display that can be configured with Track, Sport, and Normal modes. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability are both standards, and all models are equipped with a SiriusXM satellite radio plus a complimentary three-month trial. The 86’s base trim has a six-speaker stereo, but the enhanced Premium model has an eight-speaker system.
A Bigger Engine And A Better Torque Curve
With the ability to take on any track, the GR 86 keeps the heart racing with a flatter torque curve that improves its 0 to 60 acceleration and gives it an increased engine displacement. A 2.4-liter flat-four boxer engine cranks out 228 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque and perches low in the chassis to improve the center of gravity and balance. With its 6-speed transmission and Dynamic Rev Management, the GR 86 delivers a whirlwind ride any driver craves. The extra powerful engine is more vigorous and sounds sweet, while the car's deft handling is enthralling on both racetracks and roads. Notwithstanding the car's handling dexterity, the suspension works pretty well in daily commuting too.
Although the new 86 hasn't received the EPA fuel-economy estimates, the previous generation earned ratings of 32 MPG highway, 24 MPG city, and 27 MPG combined when paired with the six-speed automatic.
The Safety Entourage And A Bargain Price
The previous 86 did not provide many driver-assistance features. However, the company offers a host of safety tech for the new model and optional automatic transmission. Active safety features comprise Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Automatic High Beams. With these safety assistance features now standard on all automatic transmission models, customers can drive wherever they want without worrying much.
Toyota has not yet revealed the official pricing, but the GR 86 is expected to start around $30,000 when it goes on sale. The refined Premium model offers a suite of riveting standard equipment, including Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and 18-inch wheels, aluminum pedal covers, a rear spoiler, and leather upholstery.
With a sharp chassis and greater power than the outgoing model, 2022 GR 86 is any driver's ecstasy. It remarkably preserves its predecessor’s characteristics while offering incremental improvement across the board. The new model has improvised the older version’s basic formula with a dash of added features. While it may not be flawless, the GR 86 fits the bill for a basic, fun sports coupe with abundant scope for aftermarket enhancements.