2024 Toyota GR86 Coupe

2024 Toyota GR86 First Impressions

　　•1/30/2023

　　What is the GR86?

　　As every other sport coupe gets more and more serious, adding copious amounts of both weight and power, the Toyota GR86 — and its nearly identical twin, the Subaru BRZ — is a clean, lung-filling breath of fresh air for enthusiasts. Possessing near perfect handling balance, a just-powerful-enough engine, a great six-speed manual transmission and fairly decent practicality, the GR86 has a lot going for it. Oh, and it can be had for under $30K. How about that? But there's always room for more performance and that's where we think the GR86 is headed for 2024.

　　We don't think that performance is going to appear in the form of more power (we'll keep our fingers crossed) but instead in the way of more track-oriented handling. Back in 2018, Subaru added the tS trim to its BRZ and that included increased chassis stiffening, upgraded shocks, racy styling and grippier tires. This is a logical step for Toyota and its GR86, and while it would usually come under the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) badge, the GR86 might get some different letters. You may already know that the "GR" in GR86 stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's in-house racing and sports division. And Toyota of Japan already uses the GRMN (Gazoo Racing Meister of Nürburgring) acronym to denote hardcore track-attack variants, and we think that could apply to a specialized GR86 model.

　　We'd like to think the GR86 might get a few more luxurious touches, like a better audio system, but Toyota has shown that it takes this lightweight sports car thing pretty seriously with the GR86 and it's unlikely to add anything that could in any way spoil the handling of the 86. The only other vehicle that offers the purity and simplicity of the GR86, other than its near twin the BRZ, is the Mazda Miata. If you're willing to trade some weight and money for power and practicality, the Honda Civic Type R is an excellent choice, as is the 2.0-liter Toyota Supra. Even the four-cylinder Camaros and Mustangs can be a hoot when properly equipped.

　　zzdcar says

　　We'd be hard-pressed to list any serious deficiencies of the GR86 other than simply wanting for more power. Since we don't think Toyota is going to give us the extra ponies, we think the automaker might add even more impressive handling performance to its little gem of a sports car for 2024.