FORECOURT
TOYOTA GR86 The first GT86 went down as one of the all-time greats. Jack Evans went to Seville to find out if the GR86 replacement is just as good.
Under the bonnet The 2.4-litre ‘Boxer’ engine pumps out 231bhp and 250Nm of torque.
THE KNOWLEDGE Toyota GR86
WHAT IS IT? The original GT86 proved to be something of a hit for Toyota. So how do you deliver the tricky second album? Well, for the newly named GR86 – enabling it to fall under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing range of vehicles – that means more power, more grip and much broader use of lightweight materials. WHAT’S NEW? It’ll only be on sale in the UK for two years because of more stringent safety tests coming into force, but the engine is more powerful, while grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres replace the Primacy rubber fitted to the GT86. Inside, there’s a little more tech than before, while the steering, suspension and braking have been revised to make the GR86 even more capable than the GT86. Even the rigidity has been boosted – up 50 per cent on the GT86. WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The naturally aspirated engine uses the same basic block, but capacity has been increased from 2.0 litres to 2.4, with power rising to 231bhp from 197bhp as a result. Torque has gone up too, from 205Nm to 250Nm, and it’s delivered earlier. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic version is available too. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? That boost in power only emphasises the car’s balance, with its nimble steering and wellmanaged body control working in tandem to make it very good fun to drive. The engine note is a little muted but it doesn’t stop you from stretching the engine out whenever the opportunity strikes. The six-speed manual is accurate and easy to use too, but it’s the GR86’s balance that really makes its presence known in the whole experience. HOW DOES IT LOOK? Toyota hasn’t gone to town with the redesign for the GR86, but the tweaks definitely work to make this car even better to look at on the road. The front headlights appear sharper, while new air intakes by the front wheels are fully operational. It’s much the same around the back, where thinner rear lights are connected by a full-width trim section. The GR86 is also 10mm lower than its predecessor, while having an extra 5mm on its wheelbase. This helps to give this new version a more 32 | CarDealerMag.co.uk
Price as tested: £29,995 Engine: 2.4-litre ‘Boxer’ petrol Power: 231bhp Torque: 250Nm Max speed: 140mph O-60mph: 6.1 seconds MPG (combined): 32.1-32.5 Emissions: 198-200g/km CO2
