Toyota caused a surprise ten years ago. After a long line of “sensible” models, the brand – too – returned to what’s in its genes: sport. In large series. With the GT86. Who is believed to be a descendant of Celica. Now Sakichi and Kiichiro Toyoda’s heirs have added more than just a shovel – with the GR86! While it follows the basic GT layout (two-door coupe with 2+2 seats, front engine and rear-wheel drive), it has a lot more steam, implanted by Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division.
This does not just mean the newly built, turboless 2.4-liter boxer petrol engine with four cylinders. It delivers 234 hp (previously 200) and a maximum torque of 250 Newton meters (previously: 205). Basically, the gears are sorted via manual transmission (six gears), automatic, also with six gears, is once more an option.
But the handset hits the heart of the sports driver community. Which makes the trio of three-pedal models complete, together with the soon to be added Supra derivative with manual transmission, because the GR Yaris is also hand-shifted.
The GR86 picks up on the classic sports car layout with front engine and rear wheel drive!” RUDOLF GLASS, Spokesman Toyota Austria
In the case of the GR86, this is, as usual, short and precise, the gears engage almost by themselves. Just as natural as the dynamic measures are acknowledged as soon as you sit behind the wheel: the center of gravity and seating position are lower, the chassis is more torsion-resistant, the aerodynamics are optimized.
This is implemented on the spot in lusty curve dance. On public roads and on the race track. It feels incredibly lively, springs crisply and heartily, steers in ultra-precisely, growls pithy, but not loudly. The car (4,265 millimeters long, 1,775 millimeters wide and 1,310 millimeters high) also looks much more self-confident than its predecessor, the styling follows the style of the Supra.
It’s particularly smart in bright red. It’s hardly trimmed for practical use, but at least a small set of luggage fits in the 226-liter trunk. The rear bench is also available as a spare shelf, which is probably not even suitable for small children on longer journeys.
