Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) just gave the new GR 86 its world debut in an online event held together with Subaru Corporation (Subaru). Following the GR Supra and GR Yaris, the new GR 86 is the third global model in TGR’s GR series of sports cars. The new GR 86 is scheduled to launch in Japan in the next quarter of 2021.
Exterior
Measuring 4,265 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, and 1,310 mm tall with a 2,575 mm wheelbase, the new GR 86’s exterior highlights include fender tops that extend horizontally to the beltline, a low, horizontal underbody, a GR-specific functional Matrix front grille, and the same 18-inch alloy wheel seen on the GR Yaris.
Interior
Inside, the 2021 GR 86 features a cabin that looks much more premium and modern than the outgoing 86 that looks rather plain. The operating system—which includes the various switches and the horizontally-accented instrument panel—is optimally located to create a space that enables the driver can concentrate on driving.
Taking centre-stage is the new display that features a 7-inch TFT screen. Its opening animation sequence is inspired by the piston movements of the GR 86’s horizontally opposed engine, and fosters a sense of excitement even before the drive begins.
New 2.4-litre engine
Speaking of drive, powering the new Toyota GR 86 is a new lightweight, compact, naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer petrol engine producing 235 PS and 250 Nm of maximum torque, enabling the car to achieve 0–100km/h acceleration in just 6.3 seconds versus the outgoing model’s 7.4 seconds.
Toyota claims that engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms.
While the dimensions of the new GR 86 are almost identical to the previous model, limiting both the overall height and hip-point of the vehicle has lowered the centre-of-gravity and enhanced turning performance, resulting in a car that is more agile than before.
Light weight this, light weight that…
Other components that have also contributed towards lightness and lower centre-of-gravity include the aluminium roof panels, aluminium fenders, as well as lightweight seats and mufflers.
Despite being lighter, body rigidity has been improved, with the goal of offering pleasurable handling in all speed ranges—from urban driving to the upper limits of performance. Torsional rigidity has also been enhanced by approximately 50% over the previous model for greater steering stability.
The GR 86 features aerodynamic components seen on 86 models that participate in motorsports. These include air outlets, side sill spoilers, and other parts that improve steering responsiveness and stability.
Subaru EyeSight
Where safety is concerned, the automatic version of the GR 86 uses Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of comprehensive safety technologies provides safety support during day-to-day driving with pre-collision safety technologies that help avoid or reduce collision impacts, and emergency rescue support and secondary collision avoidance support in the event of an accident.
