New Toyota GR 86 delayed
Order book closed for current model and stock almost gone as launch of new 86 now due in 2022The second-generation Toyota GR 86 appears to have fallen victim to global production delays sweeping the car industry, with the Australian launch of the all-important new sports car now not expected until the first half of 2022.
In a press release issued today, Toyota said “timing for the introduction of the GR 86 will be announced in the fourth quarter of this year”, which sounds ominous enough, but when asked to clarify, a spokesperson subsequently said: “We’re not 100 per cent sure it will be this year.”
Just as first customer deliveries of the related Subaru BRZ may be pushed out to next year, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 is now expected to follow suit.
Compounding the problem for Toyota Australia is the fact that supplies of the current Toyota 86 have almost run dry – and there are no more shipments coming.
“Brand-new examples of the current 86 are no longer available for customers to order, however there is still a limited range of Toyota Certified Pre Owned, new stock and demonstrator vehicles available for interested buyers,” the company said in a statement.
“The all-new GR 86 will take the legacy of the current model to new heights, with a larger more powerful and more responsive engine, a stiffer chassis and the same compact coupe, rear-drive formula that enthusiasts love.”
Revealed in April, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 173kW and 250Nm of torque – 23kW/35Nm more than the current model.
According to Toyota, that reduces the new GR 86’s 0-100km/h acceleration time from 7.4 to 6.3 seconds.
Once again, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be offered.
Despite riding on the same platform as its predecessor, the second-generation model features a 50 per cent stiffer body.
The 86 was spotted in action for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month, and overnight the Japanese car-maker’s Gazoo Racing division released two new concepts that showcase high-performance parts to improve its ability on road and track.
Toyota has sold more than 20,000 examples of the first-generation 86 since its arrival in 2012.
“Its popularity is evident by the demand we are seeing even at the end of the current 86’s lifecycle, showing that fans still have an appetite for compact, lightweight and affordable sports coupes,” said Toyota Australia vice-president Sean Hanley.
“The new GR 86 will continue to delight fans with updates that will make this an even more fun vehicle to drive.”
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