Toyota Australia has confirmed local specification for its hotly-anticipated second-generation entry-level sportscar – now christened GR86.
Two variants will be up for grabs like before – the base GT and equipment-rich GTS – though Toyota is still keeping pricing under wraps until closer to the GR86’s September launch.
Like its BRZ twin, the 2023 GR86 is powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, which produces 174kW at 7000rpm and 250Nm at 3700rpm.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with the same number of gears – with both options likely available across the two grades like before.
In the GT, standard gear includes 17-inch wheels with a silver machined finish, LED headlights with cleaning function, fabric sports front seats, leather on the shifter and parking brake, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry.
Handling multimedia duties is an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit, which outputs to six speakers littered throughout the cabin, and has compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
Being a new Toyota, safety systems are also prevalent, with the standard inclusion of seven airbags, ABS brakes, hill start assist, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring.
Take note however, the more advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB), parking support braking and lane departure alert are likely exclusive to automatic variants of the GR86, like in the BRZ.
Buyers stepping up to the GTS will nab 18-inch matte-black wheels, adaptive front lighting, ‘Ultrasuede’ interior, leather-accented front seats, heated front seats and premium scuff plates.
The safety suite of the GTS is also upgraded to encompass rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.
All 2023 GR86 models are also fitted with a rear Torsen limited-slip differential.
But how does all this compare with its Subaru BRZ twin?
Well, Subaru’s model is also available across two trim levels – the entry-level Coupe and the top-spec Coupe S – with manual and auto options available to both.
Spec-wise, the base BRZ mirrors the GR86 GT very closely, with LED headlights, cloth interior and dual-zone climate control, but with a few key differences.
For starters, Subaru’s BRZ Coupe is fitted with 18-inch wheels, whereas the equivalent Toyota GR86’s hoops measure 17 inches. Also of note, is that base version’s of the UK-spec GR86 are fitted with 18-inch wheels too.
The BRZ also has features like digital radio and satellite navigation for its 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, while Toyota has not listed these items in its press release.
Finally, Subaru lists heated and power-folding door mirrors as standard gear across its BRZ line-up.
The top-spec BRZ Coupe S and GR86 GTS look to be identical in spec.
All of this is to say, as before, expect the Toyota GR86 to start at a lower price than the Subaru BRZ, which kicks off from $$40,290 before on-road costs and extends to $45,390.
A sub-$40,000 starting price would make the GR86 keenly priced, especially against its chief two-door, rear-drive competitor, the Mazda MX-5 (from $37,990).
Keyword: Cheaper than a Subaru BRZ? 2023 Toyota GR86 specs reveal cut equipment to likely keep new sports car under $40,000