WATCH: Toyota GR86, GR Supra do a bit of 'malling'

MANILA: Toyota USA has released its "The Focus Group" ad campaign, which features a Toyota GR86 and drift-racing GR Supra cars drifting inside an abandoned mall to boast the cars' handling — and take a "playful jab on automotive marketing."

As part of Toyota USA's "The Pitch" series of vehicle advertisements, The Focus Group answers the question, "What if car commercials were just as exciting as the cars themselves?" the carmaker added in a release. 

In this ad, it depicts the drivers from the Toyota Gazoo North America Racing (TGR-NA) team ignoring the marketers' suggestions of a subdued approach to marketing, and instead choosing to do a drift duel inside an abandoned mall. 

As a result, a customer focus group was pleased to see the GR86 and drift-prepped GR Supra cars burn rubber along the mall's corridors. 

The GR86 and GR Supra cars were slid around by TGR-NA drivers Frederic Aasbø, Ken Gushi, and Jhonnattan Castro. 

"Sweatpants created both 'Pitch' spots... to show how the all-new GR86 symbolizes self-expression with a fun-to-drive, stylish sports car," Toyota USA described its ad campaign series in a release. 

"In 'The Focus Group,' authentic self-expression is exhibited through skilled driving and delighted focus group members. While mundane driving results in a case of instant boredom," the carmaker explained. 

Promised to be more powerful than its predecessor, the Toyota GR86 is powered by a horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine generating 235ps and 250Nm of torque, which promises a zero-to-100kph time of 6.3 seconds. A six-speed manual or automatic are the transmission options. 

In the US, every purchase of the GR86 entitles the buyer to a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) with one High Performance Driving Event (HPDE). 

Watch The Focus Group in the carmaker's YouTube channel. 

Photos from Toyota USA

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