GR86

Joining the GR Supra and GR Yaris, the GR86 completes the trio of sport focussed models from the Japanese marque. An evolution of the GT86, this is a car that sees improvements across the board, from power to handling in order to create a dynamic, enjoyable car for the road and track.

Maintaining the horizontally opposed 'boxer' engine configuration, capacity is increased to 2.4-litres for the GR variant with every aspect of the engine optimised for improved performance without sacrificing any additional space or weight. In order to achieve this, the bore diameter has been increased from 86 to 94mm in the naturally aspirated unit.

Power has increased from 200 to 234PS supported by an increase of 45Nm in torque taking it to 250Nm at just 3,700rpm compared to the previous 6,600rpm meaning a much earlier power delivery affording a smoother and more powerful acceleration. As a result, the zero to sixty-two time is inevitably quicker, shaving over a second off the time now achievable in 6.3 seconds when paired with the manual transmission - the only transmission of choice when it comes to this car. If you would prefer one less pedal and less enjoyable experience, opt for the 6-speed automatic and achieve the same in 6.9 seconds. toyota.co.uk

As you're accelerating you can enjoy the satisfying growl released from the very apparent exhaust system which offers improvements of its own. Accommodating the larger displacement and higher output, the system has also received improved heat management and vibration performance.

Supporting the excitable tone is the close-ratio manual transmission which adds not only a significant amount of joy to your drive, but also control with a pleasurable short shifting gear lever and smoother shifts. The high revving (7,500rpm) engine allows for even more audible satisfaction.

Everything in the construction and setup of the powertrain has been optimised to offer the lowest centre of gravity possible with both the positioning and materials used helping. Working alongside the use of adapted materials throughout the rest of the vehicle maximising the cars handling potential.

Continuing and building on the legacy of the GT86, this car maintains the ethos of front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain with a distinct focus on driver gratification and it delivers by the bucket-load.

Superb handling has been a hallmark of GT86 since its introduction in 2012, and has been pushed to an even higher level with GR86. Delivering the driving pleasure expected, this is a thrill ride that does exactly what you want it to do, when you want it to do it.

To enable this, the chassis and body have been reworked with the use of light but high-strength materials to provide extra rigidity while reducing weight, and the addition of reinforcements in key areas. Diagonal cross-members have been added at the front between the suspension and car's frame reducing lateral bending as well as an internal diagonal frame in the bonnet which combined increase the front body lateral rigidity by a staggering 60 per cent. toyota.co.uk

At the rear, the upper and lower chassis has been connected with a ring structure and, as at the front, new fasteners link the frame and suspension mounts to give better handling under the G-forces generated when cornering. As a result, a continuous frame structure has been created giving an overall body rigidity increase of 50 per cent.

Combined with the same structural suspension setup as the GT86 - front independent MacPherson struts and rear double wishbones - the GR86 recieves performance tuning for an even higher level of response and stable handling. The shock absorber damping and coil spring characteristics have been optimised throughout to give the car planted, predictable handling and it is noticable on the road. The car is poised and consistent in its cornering and is lightning fast to react to steering input.

Toyota Gr86

This is largely thanks to the new electric power steering system (EPS) which requires just 2.5 turns of the three-spoke steering wheel to move from lock to lock, offering easy manoeuvrability. The EPS has a new column-mounted integrated motor that is both smaller and lighter, while also improving the cars responsiveness and “light” handling.

All of this performance requires an equal and opposite method of stopping and thankfully the GR86 boasts ventilated disc brakes to the front and rear, with 294 and 290mm diameters respectively, complete with optimised brake pad friction material. The floormounted, lever-type parking brake also remains, perfectly suited to the cars 'performance profile'. The system which features ABS, brake assist, traction control, vehicle stability control (VSC) and hill-start assist control as standard delivers responsive, sharp and precise stopping power allowing you to maximise the performance of the car whether on the road or on track.

The VSC offers five different modes to choose from dependent on your preference and driving conditions including 'sport' which deactivates VSC support and turns off traction control, providing you with the raw driving pleasure the GR86 is able to deliver.

A simple, driver focussed interior cabin has been specifically created with driver and driving at the fore. Ergonomically designed for a comfortable yet athletic driving experience with a low set bucket seat and short gear lever for those quick shifts in easy reach, the race-style drivers position is perfectly suited to the car and its abilities. toyota.co.uk toyota.co.uk

This isn't a car built to be the most luxurious of road-going machines, but it achieves exactly what it has set out to do, and that is deliver a true driving experience that is so rare to come by in modern motoring. A raw, tactile experience that puts the driver fully in control without the need for endless electronics to aid your actions. Saying that, there are a number of safety and support features should you wish to take some time out from full-on driving and relax with some creature comforts such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision brake assist.

You can also enjoy the easy to use, functional eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system which offers everything from Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® to the convenient reversing camera display. This is paired with a drivers seven-inch multiinformation display that adapts depending on your drive mode and desired visible information. When in Track mode, an entirely different display appears, featuring a central bar displaying the engine rpm as well as the selected gear, speed and oil and water temperatures - the essentials when on track - aiding you to execute even more accurate and efficient shift timing to shave those extra seconds off your lap time.

Toyota have also thought about getting to and from the track, developing the storage capacity to accommodate a full set of wheels in the rear with the back seats folded, allowing you to swap out for your racing set once you arrive and return to your road set when you've had your fill of thrill.

Outside, the GR86 delivers everything you would expect from a car of this calibre. Its low profile, dual rear exhaust and sleek yet sharp lines provide an athletic aesthetic perfectly suited to its performance potential. The two-door coupe design packs a serious Japanese punch that is well positioned to receive some serious aftermarket modification should you choose.

This car has been developed and created specifically with that in mind. Every aspect of the cars cosmetics is primed and ready for adaptation to suit your style, but you don't need to worry about what's underneath. The engineering is prep'ed and ready for action whether you plan on taking it to the track or just enjoying the open road.

Sharp, precise and responsive with the added pleasure of being able to take full control, this is a car for driving enthusiasts and those looking for a weekend or track car that can be enjoyed to its full potential alike. Driver focussed with a lively performance profile to match, there are few cars you can find on the market today that can offer this level of driving pleasure and certainly one that you can drive to and from the track yourself without sacrificing your tyres!