Toyota GR 86 debuts at last

Despite all the rumors, Toyota did not postpone the launch of a GT 86 successor model for the next year: the GR 86 will hit the showrooms in the USA and Europe this fall.

The carmaker reports having sold over 200,000 GT 86 units over nine years, which is quite impressive for a niche sports car. The successor is called the GR 86 because it emerges from the workshop of Gazoo Racing, the creators of the GR Supra and GR Yaris.

Just as its predecessor was, the newcomer is technically identical to the Subaru BRZ that debuted last fall. The styling is the same except maybe only for the front bumper and the badges. Having said that, Gazoo Racing claims that its creation feels different to drive.

At 4,265 mm long, 1,775 mm wide and 1,310 mm tall with 2,575 mm of wheelbase the GR 86 is 30 mm longer and 10 mm less tall than its predecessor with just 5 added millimeters of wheelbase. The new generation weighs 50 kg (110 lbs) more than the old one (1,270 kg / 2,800 lbs total), but has 50% more torsional rigidity to show for that.

The old 2.0-liter engine makes room for a new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four good for 235 PS (232 hp / 173 kW) and 250 Nm (183 lb-ft) of torque. The redline is at 7,400 RPM, and you can choose between six-speed manual and automatic for transmission. The drive stays on the rear axle, and getting to 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill takes 6.3 seconds instead of 7.4.

The front suspension uses McPherson struts, and the rear end features a dual-wishbone design. The brakes are ventilated, and the tires go from 215/40 R18 upwards.

Inside, a digital dashboard replaces the old analog one. The central touchscreen display is larger and the controls are sensor-based in the Japanese spec.

Sales start this fall. The Subaru BRZ will continue targeting North America as its main market, the GR 86 will be available in Europe, and customers in Japan will be able to order either version.