Toyota GR 86 details confirmed ahead of next month’s release

Toyota Australia has finally announced details of its 2022 Toyota GR 86 model range ahead of the second-generation rear-drive sports coupe’s local release next month, confirming a two-grade, four-variant core line-up.

As per the previous generation, the two trim levels will be known as the GT and GTS variants respectively, and each equipment grade will offer the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission – both paired to a free-breathing 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine producing 174kW/250Nm – exactly the same as its Subaru BRZ twin.

Unlike the base BRZ coupe, however, the GR 86 GT will ride on (silver) 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, with (black) 18s reserved exclusively for the GTS, but both variants score a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Other standard equipment highlights on the base model include self-levelling LED headlights, black cloth upholstery, a sports steering wheel, leather-clad gear knob and parking brake, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, power windows and an 8.0-inch infotainment system featuring smartphone mirroring and a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the GTS, meanwhile, adds an intelligent front lighting system (dynamic headlights), Ultrasuede and leather upholstery, heated seats, aluminium pedals and foot rest, premium scuff plates, courtesy lamps and vanity lights for the sun visors.

On the safety front, all versions of the GR 86 are fitted with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, hill start assist, cruise control and tyre pressure warning.

But, as with the BRZ, manual-transmission vehicles will miss out on a few key active safety features that are included in the automatics, like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), parking support braking and lane departure alert.

These omissions will undoubtedly cost the new-generation 86 coupe a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, as is the case with the BRZ, IF Toyota decides to submit it for testing.

However, it’s worth noting the GTS features rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor regardless of the transmission.

Toyota Australia says finer specification details will be released closer to the GR 86’s national media launch next month, when its all-important pricing is expected to be revealed.

In the meantime its sales, marketing and franchise operations chief Sean Hanley is confident the new model will build on its predecessor’s legacy of blending driving performance with affordability.

“We look forward to building on that legacy with the new-generation GR86, which has been designed with motorsport DNA at its heart and track-focussed levels of performance,” he said.

If the previous generation 86 and BRZ twins were anything to go by, it’s safe to assume the new GR 86 will undercut its Subaru twin on pricing by at least a few grand, in part because the base model rolls on smaller wheels, and start below the $40,000 mark.

For reference, the original Toyota 86 was launched Down Under in 2012 with a starting price of $29,990 plus on-road costs – something of a revelation at the time – and is currently priced between $32,180 and $37,180 plus ORCs, while new BRZ starts at $40,290 plus ORCs.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au