The new GR86 is Toyota’s third global GR model, creating a “power of three” range of pure-bred sports cars, alongside GR Supra and GR Yaris. Like them, it benefits directly from Toyota’s multi-championship-winning involvement in top-level international motorsport with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
The new coupe is the new entry point to Toyota’s GR range, bringing the rewards of sports-focused handling and performance to a wider audience. An evolution of the previous GT86, the model which signalled Toyota’s renewed commitment to sports car engineering, it retains the classic configuration of a front-mounted engine and rear wheel drive. The engine remains a high-revving, four-cylinder “boxer” unit, but with displacement increased to gain a significant increase in power and torque. Technical adjustments to the engine and transmissions ensure that this extra potential is realised with smooth, powerful acceleration across the rev band.
Chassis development focused on reducing weight and a further lowering of the car’s centre of gravity to secure even sharper handling and responsiveness. There is wider use of aluminium and other light-but-strong materials and strategic strengthening of the car’s frame to achieve greater rigidity all-round. The suspension systems also benefit from detailed adjustments to optimise handling performance, while the designers received support from their motorsport colleagues in developing new aerodynamic features for the bodywork.
Sales for Europe will be limited to just two years, making this an exclusive proposition for customers – “when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Just as with the GT86, a horizontally opposed “boxer” engine is a defining element of the new GR86, the heart of its performance and a key contributor to its low centre of gravity.
The basic structure and every part of the engine have been optimised, but its dimensions and weight are unchanged. Steps have been taken to ensure the higher performance doesn’t have a negative impact on durability; likewise, heat treatment from the increased exhaust volume has been carefully managed.
The naturally aspirated 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder unit uses the same cylinder block as before, but displacement has been increased from 1,998 to 2,387 cc. This has been achieved by increasing the bore diameter, from 86 to 94 mm.
Retaining the same high, 12.5:1 compression ratio, the engine delivers more power: maximum output has risen by around 17% from 200 DIN hp/147 kW to 234 DIN hp/172 kW at 7,000 rpm. As a result, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been cut by more than a second, to 6.3 seconds (6.9 seconds automatic). The GR86’s maximum speed is 226 km/h with manual transmission, 216 km/h for the automatic.
Torque has also been increased, with performance tuned so that the peak 250 Nm is delivered earlier – at 3,700 rpm compared to 205 Nm at 6,600 rpm in the GT86. This helps deliver smooth, powerful, stress-free acceleration up to high engine speeds (max. 7,500 rpm), giving rewarding performance, particularly when accelerating out of a bend. Torque output is the same with both manual and automatic transmission.
Detailed changes have been made to reduce the engine’s weight and ensure performance appropriate for the engine’s higher output. These include thinner cylinder liners, optimisation of the water jacket components and a switch from aluminium to a resin material for the rocker cover – which also reduces vibration. Vibration and noise have also been reduced by using iron-based sintered front and rear journals.
Changes to increase the bore diameter have been designed so that reliability and high-speed range are not impacted. The crankshaft pin diameter has been increased, connecting rods have been made stronger and the shape of the con-rod bearing and the combustion chamber have been optimised.
The D-4S fuel injection, which uses both direct and port injection, has been retuned for quicker response to the driver’s throttle inputs. The direct injection has a cooling effect in the cylinders, which supports using a high compression ratio; port injection operates under light and medium engine loads, maximising efficiency.
The engine’s breathing has also been improved with changes to the diameter and length of the intake manifold port, contributing to more linear torque delivery (with no drop-off in medium speed torque) and elastic acceleration up to high speeds. The air intake has been redesigned to optimise air flow, with curved surfaces throughout to suppress any radiated sound.
The inlet valves have a larger diameter to accommodate the increased air volume. To counter the subsequent increase in weight, the valves now have hollow shafts and their shape has been optimised. A new valve spring design has been adopted, with a set length and three unequal pitch levels to suppress any surging effect at high speed. Increasing the diameter of the throttle body contributes to the engine’s higher output, as have design tweaks to the air intake system, including a streamlining plate to prevent turbulence.
Further benefits are gained from a new fuel pump design, to ensure consistent flow when cornering, and a smaller, high-speed water pump designed for performance at high speeds, with a better flow rate and reliability. A new five-level-type water-cooled oil cooler has been added –more compact but delivering better performance.
Radiator performance has been improved without compromising the GR86’s sports car design. It is thicker, to give better performance, and angled 17 degrees forward so that it can be accommodated within the space available. The radiator motor power has increased from 120 to 200 W and air guides have been fitted, to increase the amount of air drawn into the unit. The motor is brushless, reducing the amount of space it requires and allowing for quieter three-step (off/low/high) control.
To combat noise and vibration, the GR86 has a new aluminium engine mount bracket and the damping characteristics of the liquid-filled mounts have been optimised, contributing to passenger comfort, even on long journeys. There is also a revised, stiffer oil pan structure with a new cross-rib shape and engine mount attachment points.
The comprehensive reassessment of powertrain components includes moving the alternator 10 mm lower, a change that enhances pedestrian protection in the event of an impact. The alternator has a new damper pulley, which reduces the load on the drive belt system, improving reliability and noise and vibration levels – even with the increased rotational movement of the engine as a result of increased exhaust volume. The voltage generated by the alternator is monitored and optimally controlled by the car’s ECU according to the driving conditions.
In addition to meeting all emissions regulation requirements, the GR86’s exhaust system is engineered for higher output and excellent noise and vibration performance. The manifold shape and front pipe diameter have been revised to handle the engine’s larger displacement and higher output, and the bellows have been revised for better heat resistance when handling the hotter exhaust gas.
The centre pipe has an increased capacity of 5.6 litres and is inserted directly into the main silencer, reducing pipe length. The silencer has a new, laser-welded single-layer shell structure.
The exhaust produces a satisfying “growl” under acceleration, augmented by an Active Sound Control (ASC) system that transmits the sound of the engine to the cabin through a dedicated speaker in the centre of the instrument panel. ASC volume in the GR86 automatic is adjusted according to the drive mode selected – higher for Sport than Snow or Normal mode.
The six-speed manual and automatic transmissions in the GR86 have both been revised in line with the engine’s increased power and torque and to play their part in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality.
The close-ratio manual transmission is designed to handle the car’s higher output and make controlling the vehicle more enjoyable. Clutch capacity and gear strength have been increased and clutch operation has been calibrated to handle the increase in engine torque. Using a new low-viscosity oil and new bearings ensures shift smoothness is maintained with the higher engine output. Introducing a carbon synchroniser gives the frequently used fourth gear a light shifting feel.
The shift lever has been redesigned for a short, precise stroke and snug fit in the driver’s hand, while using low-viscosity oil and strut bearings in the mechanism reduces operation force by around 30% in low temperatures.
To fully exploit the car’s performance potential, the driver can switch to Track mode, or switch off the Vehicle Stability Control.
The electronically controlled, intelligent automatic transmission features paddle controls for the driver to take manual control of gear shifts. Its performance can be adapted in four different drive modes: Normal, Sport, Snow and Track. In Sport mode, the transmission automatically selects the optimum ger in line with the driver’s use of the brake and throttle and the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour. To ensure smooth harnessing of the engine’s higher power, additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter have been introduced.
To reduce noise and vibration levels in the cabin, the use of sound-absorbing and insulating materials has been revised with a larger transmission tunnel insulator (on the manual model) and changes to the specification of the transmission undercover. Bonnet and instrument panel insulators are also used, together with new sound insulation sheets in the floor mats adjacent to the centre tunnel (manual model).
Superb handling was a hallmark of the GT86, a quality Toyota wanted to take to an even higher level with the GR86, to deliver the thrill of a car that moves exactly how the driver wants it to.
To ensure the engine’s extra power translates into rewarding handling and responsiveness, the chassis and body have been reworked with the use of light but high-strength materials, to provide extra rigidity while reducing weight, and the addition of reinforcements in key areas.
At the front, diagonal cross-members have been added to the joints between the suspension and car’s frame, improving load transmission from the front tyres and reducing lateral bending. Torque box rigidity has been reinforced, giving more efficient load transmission to the rocker panel. More rigid nut fastenings have been introduced to connect the front side member and the suspension cross-member, helping prevent localised deformation and contributing to the car’s overall stability and controllability. The bonnet has a new internal diagonal frame, in place of the previous honeycomb design. With these measures, front body lateral rigidity has been increased by 60%.
At the rear, a new full ring structure connects the upper and lower chassis and, as at the front, new fasteners linking the frame and suspension mounts give better handling under the G-forces generated when cornering. With the inner panel now connected to the platform, a continuous frame structure has been created. With these measures, overall body rigidity has been increased by 50%.
The focus on weight reduction and bringing down the car’s centre of gravity is reflected in the use of strong and lightweight materials in key areas; this has helped lower the centre of gravity by 1.6 mm and shift 0.05% of the weight distribution to the rear of the car. These include high-strength and hot-stamped steels and aluminium, which help control roll and pitch behaviour. More extensive application of structural adhesives throughout the underbody adds to the taut, connected quality of the car’s frame.
Aluminium is now used for the roof panel and front wings as well as the bonnet, with further weight savings from new front seat, silencer and prop shaft designs. These are key in giving the GR86 a 53:47 front/rear weight balance and making it the lightest four-seat sports car on the market, with the lowest centre of gravity.
In fact, the GR86 is almost equal in weight to the GT86, despite its adoption of extra features for safety and collision protection.
The front axle has been revised to improve its durability and reliability, while on the rear axles, a lightweight but powerful driveshaft has been adopted to handle the engine’s higher torque output. Likewise, a new propeller shaft has been introduced to give strength, durability and quiet operation, but with reduced component weight. Its constant velocity joint is also quieter and lighter.
The rear Torsen limited-slip differential is based on the GT86 unit and provides reassuring traction when cornering. Heat dissipation fins have been added to the casing to assist with cooling and the rubber used for the differential mounts has been optimised for better heat resistance, in line with the increased engine output.
The GR86 carries forward the suspension systems featured on the GT86 – front independent MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones, with performance tuned for an even higher level of response and stable handling.
Shock absorber damping and coil spring characteristics have been optimised throughout to give the car planted, predictable handling. At the front, a rebound spring and an aluminium engine mount bracket have been added and the steering gearbox mount has been made more rigid.
With more torque being generated by the 2.4-litre engine, the rear suspension has been reinforced with the anti-roll bar now connected directly to the subframe to gain maximum stability. The subframe itself has been made more rigid and the connection position of the lower strut has been changed. The result is a more rigid set-up, but with reduced weight to support sports car-style light handling performance.
The new electric power steering system (EPS) has a 13.5:1 ratio and requires just 2.5 turns of the GR86’s three-spoke steering wheel to move from lock to lock, giving easy manoeuvrability. The wheel has a tactile genuine leather trim and features the GR logo on the bottom edge.
Switches are integrated into the wheel for frequently used functions – audio and phone controls to the left and meter operation and voice recognition to the right. These are shaped for a natural feel and intuitive operation. The automatic model has additional black cast-metal paddles mounted on the wheel.
The steering system has a new column-mounted integrated motor that reduces weight and takes up less space, while also improving responsiveness and the car’s “light” handling. The gear box mount has been made more rigid with hard rubber bushing and a reshaped mounting washer.
Ventilated disc brakes are fitted front and rear, with 294 and 290 mm diameters respectively, and the pad friction material has been optimised. The floor-mounted, lever-type parking brake is appropriate for the car’s performance profile.
Braking control systems – ABS, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)– are provided as standard, together with an emergency brake signal system. These have been refined to improve performance and safety.
The VSC can be adjusted in five different modes to suit the driver’s preference or the driving conditions. These include a sport driving mode with no VSC support and traction control turned off.
Start off on rough roads, freeing the vehicle when stuck
Sports driving (with VSC support)
Starting off / accelerating during sports driving
Sport driving (no VSC support, TRC function OFF)
(1) TRC function will automatically turn on if the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h
The design concept for the GR86 is “functional beauty,” a marriage between functionality, which can make the difference between winning and losing on the track, and a stylish look that express highly responsive performance and customer appeal.
The GR86’s exterior design is an evolution of the taut, low-slung look of the GT86, expressing its classic front engine/rear-wheel drive set-up. Short overhangs add to the agile look, together with a wide and low stance, while the front and rear wings and cabin are individually accentuated, generating the dynamic feel of an authentic sports car. Design details reference some of Toyota’s great sports cars of the past, such as the 2000GT and AE86 Corolla.
The overall dimensions are close to those of the GT86, but notably the height has been lowered by 10 mm (to 1,310 mm) and 5 mm have been added to the wheelbase (2,575 mm). The successful lowering of the centre of gravity (by 1.6 mm) is central to the car’s handling and the driving experience – supported by a 5 mm lowering of the driver’s hip-point.
The new, parabola-shaped LED headlights have an internal L-shaped arrangement like those on the GR Supra, while the grille has a GR-exclusive “G” motif mesh pattern. The front bumper has a new textured moulding that is functional as well as sporty, helping to reduce drag; it also features deep air ducts at each side, which aid manoeuvrability. Together, the low-set grille and front ducts form the “functional matrix grille” that is a trademark design feature of Toyota’s GR models.
In side view, the powerful front wings and large rocker mouldings form side skirts, while the horizontally aligned underbody, running across the top of the wings and through the doorline, projects a strong front-to-rear posture. The rear wings are equally powerful in appearance, while the tapered rear cabin emphasises the car’s wide stance and low centre of gravity. The rear light clusters have a strong three-dimensional form and blend into a garnish that runs across the width of the car; the licence plate has been moved down to the bumper – another detail in the drive for a lower centre of gravity. The rear wheel arches are pulled in more tightly, emphasising the car’s wide stance.
A series of aerodynamic features has been introduced, including a front air dam and fully functioning air vents, created with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s motorsport expertise. These are located behind the front wheel arches to manage airflow and reduce turbulence around the tyres, enhancing steering stability. The front bumper structure is designed for superior cooling efficiency and the surface area of the front grille aperture has been optimised, with wind deflectors added to each side. The floor beneath the lower front bumper has been inclined at 45 degrees and designed with a streamlining flange to aid stable performance.
The new black-finished door mirrors have a gently curved design and the mirror mounting posts are also slightly curved, to prevent the air flow being blocked. The rocker mouldings have a fin shape to streamline the flow of air down the side of the vehicle; this kicks up towards the rear, so there is less disturbance when the air reaches the rear wheels.
Fins added to the rear wheel arches and aero fins on the lower rear bumper help control the air flow over and away from the car’s body, aiding stability. On high-grade models, a ducktail spoiler is added to the lower edge of the back door.
Depending on model grade, the GR86 either uses 17-inch machined/black 10-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin Primary HP tyres, or 18-inch matt black rims, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. The slim, blade-like spokes of the 18-inch rims are inspired by a Japanese sword motif. The tyre pressure warning system gives individual pressure readings for each tyre in the multi-information display and can be calibrated for two different sets of tyres.
The exterior colour choices for the GR86 include three GR-specific finishes inspired by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s famous white, red and black competition livery: Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and a new shade, Ignition Red, with high colour saturation achieved using a new three-coat multi-layering technique.
INTERIOR – CABIN AND LOAD SPACE
The GR86’s interior design goal was to deliver the best possible layout for usability and operation of the car’s systems, with a strong horizontally configured instrument panel that gives the driver a wide field of vision and helps them focus on the business of driving. Throughout, there is a sense of harmony in the design.
Around the driver, function controls are designed and located for intuitive recognition and operation, including an air conditioning panel in the centre console with large LED-illuminated dials and piano key switches, and door armrests with integrated release handles and long pull handles. The functionality of the centre armrest has been improved with cup/small bottle holders, two USB ports and an AUX socket. The cupholder has a new split-opening lid that can be used as an armrest when closed. The eight-inch multimedia display is angled for easy viewing from the driver’s seat.
The new-shape front sports seats feature supportive pads that are independent of each other, ensuring a slim design and good body-holding. A walk-in release lever on the front seat shoulder makes for easy access to the rear. The new seat frame weights 3 kg less than in the GT86, making a significant contribution to the car’s weight reduction programme.
The left side of the display presents the multi-information data, audio and tyre pressure information and the driver assistance function settings.
Standard grade models use an upholstery fabric embossed with the “G” motif; high grade models feature a combination of Ultrasuede™, which gives good body-holding performance, and genuine leather.
Detail changes in the cabin include new-shape air vents for a better direction control and spread of air flow. Handy touches include a 25% increase in the size of the glove box and the addition of a bottle holder in the door panel. Overhead front map lamps and courtesy lamps on the lower edge of the doors have also been installed.
The two rear seats can be folded down using release catches in the cabin, or a release strap in the boot. When folded, there is load space big enough to take four wheels – ideal for those driving their GR86 to and from track days.
The luggage compartment door has been engineered to open (to a higher point) and close with ease and at a constant speed, so items can be loaded or unloaded more easily. The light inside the boot has been made brighter and moved to the centre so that it is easier to check items and luggage at night.
The GR86’s special sports car status is acknowledged in details such as GR branding in the start-up animations for the eight-inch centre touchscreen and the driver’s seven-inch multi-information display.
The multimedia system has increased CPU computing power, giving faster response. Standard features include DAB reception, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone integration. USB ports and AUX socket are also provided for device connection and recharging. Equipped with a new Data Communications Module, the GR86 provides an eCall function in the event of an accident or emergency.
The centre screen also provides a real-time view from the car’s reversing camera, with steering guidelines.
The driver’s instrument binnacle features a multi-information display, to the left of the single-dial tachometer with central speed read-out The display contents can be selected, reset and scrolled using switches on the steering wheel. In Sport mode, the meter gains red highlights.
When the driver switches to Track mode, a different display appears, designed with help from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s professional drivers. The read-out shows a central bar display of the engine rpm, plus the selected gear, speed and oil and water temperatures, allowing the driver to instantly recognise the car’s status and achieve better shift timing.
The display has an opening animation which builds the GR logo before presenting the meters, adding a sporting prologue to every journey.
The GR86’s body structure has impact-absorbing elements to soak up and channel forces in the event of an impact. At the front, a crush box structure has been adopted in front of the A-pillar and the reaction support components – torque box, upper front pillar and rocker panel – have been strengthened, giving better performance in front-overlap collisions.
Side impact protection includes the use of high-strength materials around the cabin: a hot-stamped steel door ring framework and door beam, plus a new inner frame structure with reinforced connections.
Seven airbags are provided as standard in the cabin: front side and curtain shield airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag.
The new GR86 is available with a package of safety and driver assistance systems designed to react and operate like a human: looking, thinking and acting.
A front stereo camera constantly monitors the road ahead, recognising vehicles, pedestrians and road markings. It has a wide viewing angle and long visibility range. It can also recognise the brake lights of other vehicles in its monitoring of the distance between the GR86 and traffic ahead.
This information is assessed by software – the system’s brain – which then determines what action needs to be taken, controlling the vehicle accordingly.
The safety and driver assistance package provides a high level of driver support, providing a range of collision damage mitigation braking, lane departure warning, full-speed following cruise control and automatic high beam.
Toyota’s development of its global GR models – the GR Supra two-seat coupe, the rally-inspired GR Yaris and now the GR86 – fulfils its mission to use experience and know-how gained from motorsport to make ever-better cars for the road and to give people opportunities to enjoy the pure joys of driving.
The success of TOYOTA GAZOO Motorsport in worldwide competition provides a strong platform on which to build enthusiasm for Toyota among fans worldwide and to develop new technologies and techniques that can be transferred from racing and rallying to everyday motoring.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has achieved a triple crown in all major competitions entered as the reigning manufacturers’ and drivers’ champions in the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Championship; manufacturers’, drivers’ and co-drivers’ champions in the FIA World Rally Championship; as well as the reigning Dakar Rally champions.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has won four drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship since entering the competition in 2012 and has recorded four successive Le Mans 24 Hours victories up to 2021. The TOYOTA GAZOO World Rally Team brought Toyota back to the World Rally Championship in 2017, since when it has achieved three drivers’ and two manufacturers’ titles with the Yaris WRC. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing also regularly competes at the top level in the Dakar Rally, the South Africa-based team claiming victory in 2019 and 2022 with specially prepared Hilux rally cars.