Toyota GR 86 launched in Japan, still touts nameplate's RWD, NA boxer engine

MANILA: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) commenced sales of the all-new GR86 at GR Garage and Toyota dealers in Japan. Like the first 86, the new sports coupe is co-developed with Subaru and shares the same base (rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated Boxer engine) with the BRZ. 

To mark the GR 86 Japanese launch, TGR will exhibit its RWD coupe  alongside the BRZ at the Fuji International Speedway in November. TGR said the event will "provide fans with the chance to drive the new GR86 at the earliest opportunity and compare its ride with the BRZ." 

The new GR 86 is said to "sport a lightweight, compact engine with a low center of gravity in line with previous iterations." From the previous two-liter, the displacement size has been upped to 2.4 liters. A choice of a six-speed manual and automatic can be mated to the mill. 

With a horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine's 235ps and 250Nm, the GR 86 can reach 100kph from a standstill in 6.3 seconds. "Engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms," Toyota's performance division added. 

Body rigidity was made "with the goal of offering pleasurable handling in all speed ranges―from urban driving to the upper limits of performance." The GR 86's lateral bending has been improved by approximately 60% and torsional rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 50%. 

With the use of high-tensile steel plates and aluminum engine hood, roof, and front fenders, the GR 86's weight is kept to a minimum. The sports coupe weighs in between 1,260 to 1,290 kilograms. 

The coupe's body "highlights its appeal as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle" and wears various aerodynamic pieces. These GR 86 aero bits include front air outlets, side sill spoilers, and a ducktail rear spoiler. As these parts were said to be tested in actual driving and wind tunnel facilities, the car is promised to possess front-end road-holding and rear-end stability. 

As for equipment, among the highlight features of the GR 86 is the instrument panel with the tachometer placed in the middle. Toyota said that the front passengers will get to use a seven-inch infotainment screen, while they sit on bolstered sports seats. 

For the automatic variant of the GR 86, it will be equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. EyeSight features pre-collision braking technologies, which help avoid collisions and mitigate damage. 

Photos from Toyota

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