The car that marked the revival of Toyota’s sportscar lineage is now giving drivers even more of the agility, style, and responsiveness they desire. For this round, the detail-obsessed Toyota Gazoo Racing team brings enhanced handling and exterior aerodynamics, increased power, and an upgraded interior. These changes earn it a Gazoo Racing badge, joining Toyota’s ever-growing, global sportscar line as the all-new 2022 GR 86.

With its wide stance and low centre of gravity, the 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe’s handling changes come in the form of front and rear frame reinforcements that increase rigidity. Functional exterior air vents were also added to further support steering stability. Weight shaving details like aluminum roof panels and fenders also kept it at a nimble curb weight of just over 1,270 kg.

The 2.4L naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine, brings the power upgrade – increasing from 205 to 228hp and from 156 to 184 lb.-ft. of torque on the manual version. The power boost comes from tweaks like increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology. Drivers will have the choice of a 6-speed manual (MT) or automatic transmission (AT).

0 to 100 km/h times have dropped from 7.2 to 6.3 seconds for the MT and from 8.2 to 6.8 seconds for the AT.

Available in two grades, GR 86 and GR 86 Premium, it will come in seven exterior colour choices, including the aptly named Track bRed. The premium grade comes equipped with a rear duckbill spoiler, adding dynamic contours to the car’s sporty feel.

The cabin gets upgraded front seats with a deep bucket design and side bolsters that keep driver and passenger supported during serious cornering. GR 86 Premium grade seats are upholstered in Alcantara with leather accents. Leather-trimmed driver touchpoints and silver-coloured accents also add a race-inspired touch to the cabin.

Tunes, Tech, and Safety

Toyota GR 86 comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display and six-speaker audio system, with eight speakers on the Premium model. It includes Bluetooth® for hands-free phone capability, a SiriusXM® 3-month All Access trial, wired Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, two USB ports and one auxiliary port, and trial access to a suite of available connected services (with additional subscription).

GR 86 features Toyota’s Smart Key System (on both doors) with Push Button Start and adds an alarm to the anti-theft system. It lights the night with Standard LED headlights and available adaptive front lighting on the Premium grade.

All grades of the GR 86 come with Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology® (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Track Mode, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags are standard on all models, with the addition of a driver’s knee airbag.

The Automatic Transmission version comes with the Subaru® EyeSight® driver assist system standard, which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Cruise Control, and High Beam Assist.

If you’re interested in test driving a 2022 Toyota GR86, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.