Toyota has finally unveiled the long-awaited GR86. This 2nd generation is also developed with Subaru like the previous model, but what has evolved and what has remained the same?
Toyota GR86: Third Model From The GR Lineup
The Toyota GR86, which now has a prefix of the maker’s top-tier sports brand, was revealed on April 5th, 2021.
The first generation debuted in 2012. It was jointly developed with Subaru, and was sold as the “BRZ” from its partner. Like last time, the two companies have teamed up again to share the basics and focus on giving it a different taste that extends the individuality of each company.
The new GR86 is the third model in the “GR” sports car brand developed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR), following the GR Supra in 2019 and the GR Yaris in 2020. This time, the name was changed from “86” (or GT86 for North American market) to further clarify its position as Toyota’s sports model.
Toyota describes the new model’s concept as “evolution unique to the 86 that can please fans”, but what exactly has changed from the previous model? Let’s find out.
The newer body now has the dimension of 4265 mm x 1775 mm x 1310 mm, which has its overall length slightly longer.
But at the same time, the overall height and its H-point has been lowered, making the center of gravity even lower. Thanks to that, handling has been improved and the car provides a more agile taste to the driver.
Major changes on both interior and exterior design have also undergone.
The new design expresses an RWD-like style with its low fender lines that run horizontally through the side. Its low profile and the narrowing design of the rear creates a wider stance and a low center of gravity.
While the late model of the first model had a wave-shaped front grille, the new GR-branded model has an iconic horizontal, large-aperture “functional matrix grille,” which gives a “GR” unified face to the front end.
The headlights have also been redesigned to have a bulging shape, combining LED headlights with “L-shaped” position lamps. And the hood design has been given a new press line, giving it a thicker and more robust appearance.
Impression for the rear design has also changed. The tail lights from the previous 86 had rounded shapes for early models and L-shaped design for late models. But this time, the new design adopts a “U-shaped” design which we can find in recent Subaru cars.
In addition, the trunk lid became a ducktail shape, which is said to have the same aerodynamic effect as the rear spoiler of the first 86.
On the sides, air outlets on the front fenders and side skirts, which were not present on the previous model, have been added. In addition to design, the new spoiler functions to suppress turbulent airflow around the tires and wheels, thereby improving handling stability.
Wheels are now selectable from 17 and 18 inches, while the previous model had 16 and 17 inches. Stock tires remain Michelin, and the new model equips Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 (215/40R18) for the 18 in. model.
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The previous 86 had a simple interior design. That was also cool, but the new model has evolved into a cockpit full of flashing gadgets and cool displays.
Dashboard design has been updated to a combination of 7 in. TFT LCD panel and a segmented LCD panel, while the previous model had an old school speedometer (which scales up to 260 km/h), tachometer, and a small 4.2 in. display between the two meters.
The overall control panel now has a horizontal design. Previously, air conditioning vents were placed on an upper part. But now the vents are placed flat, making possible to ensure a wider view.
Improved sports seats are also a big improvement. The new seats are designed to prevent fatigue even on long drives, creating an environment that allows the driver to concentrate on driving, and to accurately convey the car’s behavior to the driver. Cup holder in the center is the same as the first generation model, but now it has a new lid and a USB charging port.
