Toyota GR86 named 2022 SEMA Sport Compact of the Year

MANILA: Toyota GR86 has been chosen by Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) member companies to receive the 2022 SEMA Sport Compact of the Year Award. Toyota has now won back-to-back SEMA accolades for the GR Supra and Tacoma, which also won SEMA Sport Compact of the Year and SEMA Mid-Size Truck of the Year awards, respectively, last year.

“SEMA congratulates Toyota on having the GR86 selected by SEMA Show exhibitors to win the Sport Compact of the Year Award. This year’s recognition and last year’s Toyota Supra and Tacoma awards validate Toyota’s reputation for quality performance vehicles and its commitment to the specialty market, once again proving Toyota’s collaboration with the aftermarket continues to create more options for consumers,” SEMA President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Spagnola stated.

Toyota GR86 is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, DOHC 16-valve engine that produces 237ps of power and 250Nm of torque. It is available in automatic and manual variants.

Carrying the GR badge, Toyota GR86 delivers improved steering feedback and sharper handling on and off track.

Toyota GR86 is a real head-turner, with a striking ducktail rear spoiler, piano black rear view mirrors, and alloy wheels.

On the inside, the Toyota GR86 is equipped with leather suede seats for the AT variant and fabric seats for the MT variant. Both variants are equipped with a leather steering wheel, a seven-inch TFT multi-information display, an eight-inch display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone auto airconditioning system.

Toyota GR86 also enables convenient driving with its keyless Smart Entry and Push Start systems.

In terms of safety features, the Toyota GR86 is equipped with SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HSA), and Limited Slip Differential (LSD).

The AT variant also comes with a GR Active Safety Suite, which includes special safety features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

“We are honored to receive this significant SEMA Award, and it’s a great testament to not only our thrilling GR86 sports car but also the thousands of Toyota employees who work hard every day to deliver GR86s to our loyal customers. It’s wonderful to earn back-to-back SEMA awards. Our relationship with SEMA and its member companies remains strong,” Toyota Vice President for Marketing Lisa Materazzo said.

Toyota is presenting a variety of production cars, SUVs, and trucks, as well as build concepts, at the SEMA Show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, USA until November 4. This further showcases Toyota's confidence in the automotive aftermarket and commitment to performance, exhilaration, and adventure.

Two special GR86 units are on display. The Toyota GR86 Cup Car, the sole vehicle for the all-new single-make Toyota GR Cup racing series that will make its debut in 2023, is on display at SEMA for the first time. Toyota is showcasing the Toyota GR86 Daily Drifter, a drift car designed by photographer Larry Chen that appeals to fans of pro series like Formula Drift.

Photo from Toyota

Also read: All-new Toyota Innova with FWD, monocoque platform could launch next month