“The Toyota Gazoo Racing team has done a remarkable job of redesigning and re-engineering our 2+2 sport coupe – enhancing its aerodynamics and handling, while boosting performance and fitting it with an upgraded interior,” said Cyril Dimitris, Vice President, Toyota Canada Inc. “This second-generation model now carries the Gazoo Racing badge – our certification to enthusiasts that this authentic sports car delivers incredible driving fun.”

The fun starts with an all-new power plant – swapping out the 2.0L heart of the previous generation in favour of a 2.4L naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine. In the GR86, this results in a significant increase in both peak horsepower and torque. What’s more, peak torque is reached sooner in the power band. This means the new GR86 produces linear acceleration across a wider band of RPMs, delivering a longer surge to drivers.

The GR86 retains its wide stance and low centre of gravity, then reinforces the front and rear frames to increase rigidity… adds air vents that further support steering stability… and shaves weight through details such as aluminum roof panels and fenders to keep the GR86 at a nimble curb weight of just over 1,270 kilograms.

These many improvements add up to an all-new GR86 that delivers better handling and achieves impressive improvements in acceleration: 0-100 km/h times have dropped from 7.2 to 6.3 seconds for the manual transmission, and from 8.2 to 6.8 seconds for the automatic.

Automatic transmission models feature paddle shifters, and employ adaptive controls that sense brake and accelerator operation to quickly shift into optimal gear. Meantime, the manual gearbox features strut bearing that enhance clutch capacity and gear strength, plus a low-catch design that delivers smooth, engaging control.

Toyota Gazoo Racing then ensured that the new GR86’s performance upgrades were matched with equally impressive styling and features.

Curbside, the GR86 expresses athletic driving fun, with GR-specific Functional MATRIX “G Mesh” Grille, angular LED headlights, aerodynamic front air dams and vents, and side sill spoilers. A low overall height and hip point plus fender tops that extend horizontally to the beltline combine to confer the stance distinctive of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Meantime, the GR86’s low, horizontal underbody and narrow rear cabin impart a “launch-ready” appearance. Paint choices include two new colours: Track bRed and Trueno Blue. These join Neptune Blue, Halo White, Steel Grey, Pavement Grey, and Raven Black.

Inside, drivers will enjoy a cockpit that helps keep them squarely focused on the pavement. Digital instrumentation features Normal, Sport, and Track modes and LCD toggle displays with silver trimmed dials. All models feature sport bucket front seats with side bolsters to firmly hold the driver and navigator in place when cornering, while the 2+2 configuration offers additional versatility with fold-down rear seats.

The GR86 is equipped with a display audio system with 8-inch touchscreen, 2 USB plus 1 Auxiliary port, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

As a Toyota, every GR86 also features a comprehensive safety package. This includes the Toyota Star Safety System, rear seat anchors for children’s car seats, a tire pressure monitoring system, and seven airbags. In addition, every model receives a 3-year trial subscription to Safety Connect, which offers 24/7 Emergency Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and more.

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.