Jump LinksHachi-Roku In the 21st Century: The Legacy Lives OnInterior: Premium Grade With Trueno TouchWhat's the difference between a Trueno Edition GR86 and the regular GR86?Is the GR86 Trueno Edition worth it?How many Trueno Edition GR86 models were made? What are the different editions of the GR86?Since its debut in 2021, the Toyota GR86 has always been a joyful small sports car that blends performance and driving pleasure in an affordable package. But did you know that, back in 2024, Toyota produced a limited number of special edition GR86 called the GR86 Trueno Edition? The Trueno Edition, bearing the name of the original Hachi-Roku AE86, inherited the visual elements along with the playfulness its predecessor was famous for. We are here to walk you through why the Hachi-Roku was such an iconic Toyota model and what's different between a Trueno Edition and an ordinary GR86.All information has been sourced from the manufacturer, and all prices listed exclude destination fees and any offers; pricing and specs are correct at the time of writing. Automakers reserve the right to update pricing at their own discretion and without notice. Trueno: One Of The Most Iconic Toyota Nameplates Ever 1984-1987 5th Gen AE86 GT-S Toyota Corolla Liftback Front 3/4Pop-up headlights, liftback styling, five-speed manual transmission, and a rear-wheel-drive layout - that's the fundamental recipe that makes up the Trueno. Produced from 1984 to 1987, the model was called Corolla Sport GT-S Liftback in the US. It's also sometimes referred to as the AE86, which was its chassis code. The Trueno model was based on the fifth-generation Corolla, which saw it bring sporty performance into this economy liftback.The reason why this Japanese liftback became one of the most well-known nameplates among racing fans is also a story worth telling. Having a unique weight and power proportions, the Trueno perfectly fits the type of driving style that took corners with controlled oversteer. Paired with a rear-wheel-drive layout and a tunability unlike any other vehicle in its class, the Trueno soon became popular among racing drivers, competing in rally, circuit and even touring races.Apart from its popularity in racing classes, the Trueno also became the model of choice for Japanese drift king, Keiichi Tsuchiya. It was also the model which appeared in one of the most iconic racing anime to ever exist - Initial D. Which saw main character Takumi Fujiwara racing down Japanese mountain roads with JDM icons such as Nissan GT-R, Mazda RX-7, and Honda Civic. The black and white "panda" AE86 Trueno soon became one of the most well-known models in the world, inspiring an entire generation of racing fans for decades to come. Hachi-Roku In the 21st Century: The Legacy Lives On 2012 Toyota GT86 Orange Front Angled ViewWith the popularity AE86 has received all around the world, Toyota recognized the need for the mass market to have a small, affordable sports car in the 21st century. It's why the company introduced the GT86 in 2012 in collaboration with Subaru. The GT86, which is powered by a boxer-four engine, inherits the characteristics of the AE86 as it's tail-happy and fun throughout the corner. Although the GT86 won't surprise anyone with its performance figure, its ability to put a smile on a driver's face is what makes it popular among enthusiasts all over the world.The GR86 replaced the GT86 in 2021 with a more powerful 2.4L engine and a refreshed design. Being a spiritual successor to the AE86, the GR86 retains all the elements that make up a Hachi-Roku in the 2020s, combining joyfulness and modern technology in an affordable package. Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition: Key Features Explained 2024 Toyota GR86With influence from the original panda Trueno AE86, the GR86 Trueno edition is adorned with exterior elements that pay tribute to this 80s icon. To start with, the Trueno Edition has a two-tone appearance that would differentiate itself from any GR86 on the road at first glance. If you take a closer look, the Trueno Edition also has side panel graphics, a black-painted duckbill spoiler which further emphasizes its connection to the original Trueno model. Other exterior features include a Trueno badge on the front bumper and rear decklid, black metallic finished 18-inch wheels, black door handles and mirror caps. Interior: Premium Grade With Trueno Touch my24-gr86-trueno-edition-interior-02Based on the Premium Grade, the interior of the Trueno Edition is already loaded with plenty of features that enhance the performance vibe. The biggest highlight is the Ultrasuede sports seats trimmed with red leather and two-tier heating. The red theme continues on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and red-stitched shift knob. You will be able to find a Trueno Edition badge on top of the shift knob as a finishing touch.The Trueno Edition also comes with plenty of features and safety enhancements when compared to the base GR86. For entertainment, you still have the eight-inch touchscreen, but the audio system is being upgraded to an eight-speaker system on the Trueno Edition. The Active Safety Suite, which was only available on automatic models in the past, is also available for the manual models on the Trueno Edition. The system includes various safety features such as pre-collision braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning to keep you safe behind the wheel. Performance: Upgrades To Put A Smile On Your Face Toyota The biggest upgrade the Trueno Edition received when compared to the base GR86 lies in the chassis. The performance package, which consists of ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo brakes has become standard on the Trueno Edition. The SACHS Dampers are filled with high pressure nitrogen and oil which are designed to absorb vibration, maximize ground contact and balance road feedback and ride comfort. The upgraded Brembo brakes are also larger when compared to base GR86 brakes, providing better stopping power. Both the upgraded dampers and brakes help enhance the handling of the Trueno Edition, making this modern Trueno more playful around corners.As for the powertrain, the Trueno Edition comes with the same 2.4L boxer engine which you find on any GR86. This boxer engine produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and you have a choice between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The 0–60 time on the Toyota GR86 varies depending on the transmission you choose; the six-speed manual comes at 6.1 seconds, while the automatic is half a second slower at 6.6 seconds. Final Verdict: The GR86 That Ticks All The Boxes Toyota With an MSRP starting at $34,720 excluding destination charge, the price of the GR86 Trueno Edition wasn't that significant when compared to a base GR86. However, we would argue that the Trueno Edition might be the best GR86 for every occasion. From the outside, it stands out when compared to other models thanks to its two-tone exterior. Underneath its chassis, the upgraded dampers and brakes provide more performance and handling for the driver. Inside the cabin, you get a comfortable interior along with safety systems that look after you.That is not to say the Trueno Edition is the best sports car in its class. For nimbler and more responsive handling you have the Mazda MX-5 Miata. For more power, you also have the Ford Mustang, which sits in a similar price range. However, if you are looking for something that's unique, something that will make you stand out, considering the fact that only 860 units were designated for the US market, it is possibly the only choice that ticks all the options above. FAQs What's the difference between a Trueno Edition GR86 and the regular GR86? The differences between a regular GR86 and the Trueno Edition include a two-tone exterior, which pays tribute to the AE86 model from the 80s, along with several chassis upgrades that include upgraded dampers and brakes. Is the GR86 Trueno Edition worth it? Considering that the price difference between the Trueno Edition and the regular GR86 is marginal, and that you get an exclusive exterior and several upgrades, we would say that the Trueno Edition is definitely worth it. How many Trueno Edition GR86 models were made? Only 860 units of Trueno Edition produced have come to the US, while Canada received the other 50 units. What are the different editions of the GR86? Apart from the Trueno Edition mentioned above, there's also a 10th Anniversary Special Edition for 2023 model year, and a Hakone Edition for 2025 model year.Source: Toyota, Mazda, Ford