Toyota GR86 is the ultimate Boy-Racer
Just as with the GT86, the horizontally opposed “boxer” engine is a defining element of the new GR86, the heart of its performance and a key contributor to its low centre of gravity.
TAKING delivery of this week’s driving impressions vehicle was classic. We were presented with a somewhat comic-book-looking car all done up with decals and Japanese signage. It took google translate to establish why this was so.
The design is called Initial D and is based on a cult Japanese manga comic series in which the young hero, Takumi Fujiwara, famously drove a modified AE86, honing his driving skills on mountain roads while moonlighting as delivery driver for his father’s tofu shop. The car emerged as a star in its own right, influencing the emerging drifting
scene and inspiring a live action movie and various arcade games. The AE86 was the ultimate drifting car.
Created by Toyota’s UK special projects department, the GT86 Initial D concept is a faithful re-imagining of the fictional AE86. The coupe not only copies the manga car’s distinctive panda-style monochrome livery but uses new
versions of the same Japanese market components that were featured so successfully on the original.
Sticking to the classic front engine/rear-wheel drive formula and kitted with the now-familiar naturally aspirated
“boxer” engine, the newcomer ups the ante in three significant areas: a boost in performance courtesy of a bigger displacement 2.4-litre powerplant; enhanced dynamics thanks to increased body rigidity, lighter weight and a lower centre of gravity; and sharper aesthetics aka ‘functional beauty’ as a result of adopting motorsports-sourced aerodynamic features.
The new GR86 is Toyota’s third global GR model, providing a fitting entry point to the current GR range and creating a powerful triad of pure-bred sports cars, alongside GR Supra and GR Yaris. Like its GR stablemates, the
newcomer benefits directly from Toyota’s multi-championship-winning involvement in top-level international motorsport with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
Just as with the GT86, the horizontally opposed “boxer” engine is a defining element of the new GR86, the heart of its performance and a key contributor to its low centre of gravity. But in its current execution, the capacity has increased from 2.0- to 2.4 litres, for extra power, more torque and faster acceleration.
Naturally aspirated, the engine gives a smooth acceleration feel, right from the bottom to the top of the rev band (also keeps things more affordable by not going the turbocharged route)
Retaining the same high, 12.5:1 compression ratio, the engine delivers more power: maximum output has risen by around 17% from 147 kW to 174 kW at 7,000 rpm. As a result, the 0-100 km/h acceleration time has been cut by more than a second, to 6.4 seconds (6.8 seconds auto).
The GR86’s maximum speed is 226 km/h when mated to the manual box; 216 km/h for the auto. The auto turns the tables when it comes to fuel consumption however, consuming 8,8 litres per 100km in the combined cycle, while the manual settles for 9,5 l/100km.
In a nutshell, the basic structure and every part of the engine have been optimised, but its dimensions and weight are unchanged. Steps have been taken to ensure the higher performance doesn’t have a negative impact on durability; likewise, heat treatment from the increased exhaust volume has been carefully managed.
The cockpit is very practical and well laid out. Very comfortable for a compact car.
The GR86 has plenty of cornering grip, great balance, sharp steering, and a rev-happy engine make the GR86 fun to drive, no matter where you’re going. It’s everything an entry-level sports car should be. And while we don’t give a most improved trophy, I’d did give the GR 86 something even better: A 10 of Best for 2023 award.
It is priced at R698100 for the 6-speedt Manual version and R733 700 for the Automatic one. Naturally, it comes with usual Toyota Maintenance plans and warranties.
By Mahomed Abramjee
