Toyota Introduces Racing-Inspired 2022 GR 86

The GR 86 is distinguished from the GT 86 – and its mechanical twin, the Subaru BRZ – by a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4L boxer 4-cyl. producing 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. (309 Nm) of peak torque at 3,700 rpm.

Jim Irwin, Associate Editor

August 17, 2021

3 Min Read
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GR 86 to sticker starting at under $30,000, Toyota says.Toyota

Toyota introduces the 2022 GR 86 coupe, featuring a bigger engine and more refined suspension than its GT 86 predecessor. 

Influenced by Toyota Gazoo Racing motorsports, the GR 86 is distinguished from the GT 86 – and its mechanical twin, the Subaru BRZ – by a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4L boxer 4-cyl. producing 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. (309 Nm) of peak torque at 3,700 rpm. The rear-wheel-drive coupe offers a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission.

GR engineers added strategically placed high-strength steel, new cross members up front and a full-ring frame at the rear of the chassis.

Driving is enhanced by a low center of gravity and by aluminum roof and front fenders that help make the GR 86 one of the lightest sports cars on the market: 2,811 lbs. (1,275 kg) for the manual-gearbox GR 86 and 2,851 lbs. (1,293 kg) for the automatic.

The GR 86, offering 2+2 seating and a fold-flat rear seat for extra space, is available in standard and premium trim.

The Premium grade features black 18-in. aluminum alloy wheels, perforated Alcantara and leather-trimmed, dual-mode heated front seating and an eight-speaker audio system. The GR 86 base model sits on 17-in. wheels and comes with black G-embossed fabric seats and a six-speaker audio system. A 200W subwoofer is available for either grade.

Displacement in the GR 86’s 2.4L is nearly 20% more than the 2.0L in the GT 86, improving 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times from 7.0 seconds to 6.1 seconds for the manual and from 8.0 seconds to 6.6 seconds for the automatic. Toyota estimates combined fuel economy for the 6MT and 6AT at 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) and 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), respectively.

Inside, the GR 86 features a 7-in. (18-cm) multi-information instrument panel that displays content based on whether drivers are in Sport, Snow or Track mode (the 6MT offers Track mode only). Developed with race driver input, Track Mode displays an RPM band in the center, oil and water coolant temperatures and lap timer.

The 8-in. (20-cm) touchscreen multimedia system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth for hands-free phone capability, a Sirius XM 3-month Platinum Plan trial and trial access to a suite of available connected services requiring additional subscription.

The standard active safety system in the automatic transmission GR 86 includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, sway warning, lead vehicle start alert and high beam assist. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard.

All grades of the GR 86 come with Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Seven airbags are standard on all models, including a driver's knee airbag for 2022.

Every ’22 GR 86 comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Assn. GR 86 owners will enjoy benefits including one free high-performance driving event and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

The ’22 GR 86 will start at under $30,000. Toyota will release pricing details before its expected arrival at dealerships in November.

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