TOYOTA CITY: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has started selling the all-new GR86 at GR Garage and Toyota dealers in Japan on Oct 28.
The price range is 2,799,000 yen to 3,512,000 yen (RM102,000 to RM128,000).
The GR86 was jointly developed with Subaru.
In September 2019, Toyota and Subaru entered into a new business and capital alliance, and have promoted their goal of making ever-better cars in new fields, such as by jointly developing the new Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV).
But the two companies also said they would continue to jointly build sports cars that deliver the excitement, thrill, and joy of driving.
The GR86 shares the same base as the Subaru BRZ. However, Toyota focused on delivering the unique driving feel of a GR vehicle, with intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness, linear response, and outstanding agility at the upper limits of performance.
While carrying on the tradition of the 86 and engaging in friendly rivalry with Subaru’s BRZ development team, TGR sought to develop a vehicle that would realise a GR-like evolution.
According to Toyota, the new GR86 had been designed with outstanding driving feel that is both direct and satisfying.
Exterior
With fender tops that extend horizontally to the beltline, the GR86 silhouette highlights its appeal as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Its low, horizontal underbody and narrow cabin rear combine to underline the breadth of the vehicle and its low centre of gravity, and hint at its intuitive responsiveness.
The front of the vehicle features the GR-specific Functional MATRIX Grille, which fuses performance and emotionality. To mark its evolution from the 86 to the GR86, the GR86 logo has also been redesigned.
Interior
The GR86 operating system-which includes the horizontally-accented instrument panel and various switches-is optimally located to enable the driver to focus on driving.
Equipped with a BOXER Meter, comprising a 7-inch colour screen and LCD meters, the car’s opening animation sequence is inspired by the piston movements of the GR86’s horizontally opposed engine.
The meter display embodies the GR86’s sports performance, changing according to which driving mode is engaged.
NORMAL mode shows the current speed in large numbers inside a circular tachometer; in Sports mode (available on AT grades only), the edges and rings of the tachometer gauge turn red; TRACK mode takes inspiration from racing car displays, and shows engine speed in large numbers.
The GR86 seats deliver a sensation of being at one with the vehicle. The lightweight front seats use independent pads used to support the body, and, in order to withstand the lateral and longitudinal g-forces generated during aggressive sports driving, they are covered in an extremely grippy material.
Bigger engine
Sporting a lightweight, compact engine with a low centre-of-gravity in line with previous iterations, the GR86 increases its displacement size from 2.0 to 2.4L.
The engine delivers superior driving performance as a consequence, achieving 0-100kph acceleration in just 6.3 seconds-down from the 7.4 seconds of the previous model.
Engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms.
The GR86 is equipped with D-4S, a dedicated twin injector that optimally controls two types of injection according to driving conditions: direct injection, which directly injects fuel into the combustion chamber, and the more common port injection, which directly injects fuel into the intake port.
D-4S combines with a horizontally opposed engine that incorporates variable valve timing, to deliver improved intake and exhaust efficiency.
Improvements in many aspects
The dimensions of the new GR86 are almost identical to the previous model. However, by limiting both the overall height and hip-point of the vehicle, and by positioning the seats further towards its centre, the car realises a lower centre-of-gravity and enhanced turning performance.
Users can expect to experience a real sense of speed when accelerating, and feel as if the car is an extension of their bodies.
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. Lateral bending has been improved by 60% and torsional rigidity has been enhanced by 50%, delivering nimble handling through high-speed corners and guaranteeing outstanding steering stability.
The GR86 has been thoroughly lightened through increased use of high-tensile steel plates, and the adoption of an aluminum engine hood, engine underbody, roof, and front fenders.
The GR86 is fitted with front air outlets developed via motorsports feedback, as well as with side sill spoilers and a ducktail rear spoiler.
As a result of repeated performance evaluations via both actual driving and wind tunnel facilities, the car promises superb front-end road-holding and rear-end stability with outstandingly responsive and steady handling.
The GR86 is equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (AT grades only). Featuring pre-collision braking technologies that help avoid collisions and mitigate damage, the system provides support for safe everyday driving.
Stand out with GR PARTS
TGR has prepared a selection of custom GR PARTS to maximise the appeal of the GR86. From everyday driving to sports driving, a wide-ranging parts line-up enables all customers to personalise their GR86.
To mark its launch, TGR will exhibit the new GR86 at FUJI 86 STYLE with BRZ 2021 (86 Style), hosted by Fuji International Speedway Co., Ltd.
The event would allow fans to drive the new GR86 and compare its ride with the BRZ, while other activities are planned to enable visitors to experience the driving feel of the GR86. Also, the event will be streamed live on TGR’s official YouTube channel.
The new GR86 is now available via the KINTO ONE car subscription service. For the first time in KINTO ONE’s history, customers would be permitted to modify the GR86 (except for illegal modifications and other exclusions).
The car would be available from 21,450 yen (RM782) per month (including tax).
Keyword: Toyota Gazoo Racing rolls out all-new GR86