Toyota GT86 GR previewed in video
A hotter version of Toyota's 2+2 sports car could arrive as a run-out for the current generation
Another week, another Toyota GT86 variant. But wait, this one’s not been given a new name and price thanks to the introduction of a colour. No, this one could actually be the extra hot model we've been waiting for with more power and a harder overall setup. And yeah, there’ll probably be a new colour too.
Rumours of a more cooking GT86 have been circulating since the reveal of the GR HV concept (pictured above) a year ago, which grabbed headlines for its unusual automatic gearbox that was controlled by a lever in an H-pattern gate, but also hinted at Toyota’s intentions for a new variant of its boxer-engined 2+2.
Now, however, we have our first piece of evidence to suggest such a vehicle is in the pipeline. A video, (click here to view it) released onto the social media of Toyota’s Spanish division, shows a GT86 throwing up a whirlwind of dust while doing doughnuts (does the driver not understand what damage this is doing to the wheel arches?!), with a hint at more power coming from the "passion for speed" caption included with the post.
No GT86 variant (including the Blue Edition that faced the Mazda MX-5 in PH’s latest test) has come with a power boost from the standard model’s 2.0-litre flat-four, which is fed atmospheric air to produce 200hp and 151lb ft of torque. We’ve had more complex dampers, bigger brakes and stickier tyres, (with the Performance Pack), but nothing to turn the boxer’s wick up.
For this reason a more powerful GT86 seems most plausible, and it’ll likely be badged as a GR (Gazoo Racing) to join the Yaris GRMN hot hatch as the performance division’s second globally-launched model. Whether it’ll come as a late arrival to the current GT86 range or be launched when the next-gen car - which could come soon – lands is yet to be learned.
Either way, a more powerful version of one the best handling driver’s cars on sale this side of the Porsche 718 Cayman comes as very welcome news indeed. We wait with bated breath.
https://toyota.jp/86/grade/gr/
Costs close to 5 million yen and comes with recaros, upgraded brakes (6 pot brembos) and a trick exhaust.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff