Thrills are just around the corner with Toyota's all-new 2022 GR 86. For the next-generation coupe, the same fanatics behind Toyota Gazoo Racing's championship racecars looked to engineer even greater curve-hugging precision, with a focus on added stability, power and improved aerodynamics. The result? A track-ready, driver's car made for pure fun. How'd they do it? To start, the GR team built upon the nimble attributes of the current generation 86 chassis by adding strategically placed high-strength steel, new cross members up front and a full-ring frame in the rear. Then, they engineered nearly 18% more horsepower and 11% more torque by utilizing a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.
They tuned it so the peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3700 RPM, versus 6600 RPM on the previous generation, making for a responsive and powerful driving experience - especially when coming out of the curves and onto the straightaways. It's available in a manual transmission (MT) or paddle-shifted automatic (AT), so drivers can choose an experience that fits their style. GR engineers knew that keeping a low center of gravity and svelte curb weight was vital for maximum fun. Constructed with a weight-saving aluminum roof and front fenders, the Toyota GR 86 base grade weighs in at only 2,811 pounds for the MT (2,851 pounds in the AT), making it among the lightest sports cars on the market. The combination of 53:47 front:rear balance, a low-slung 51.6-inch overall height and a compact flat-four engine gives GR 86 all the right ingredients for firmly planted sports car handling.
Power & Design for a New Generation
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) team spent late nights in the garage under flickering fluorescent lights to enhance performance on the new GR 86. With the move from a 2.0L to 2.4L flat-four engine, the 2022 GR 86 increases its engine bore diameter to 94mm (previously 86mm) for nearly 20% more displacement, bumping up from 1,998cc to 2,387cc. The bigger engine improved zero-to-60 times from 7.0 to 6.1 seconds for the MT and from 8.0 to 6.6 seconds for the AT; manufacturer estimated fuel economy is 19 city/26 highway/21 combined MPG (6-Speed M/T) and 20 city/30 highway/24 combined (6-Speed A/T).
Toyota's D-4S dual injection technology is re-tuned to deliver more aggressive throttle input. This system combines direct fuel injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which allows the engine to use a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors come into play during light- and medium-load conditions to help maximize combustion efficiency. The intake manifold's port diameter and length have been optimized to support linear torque and acceleration and the air intake has also been redesigned to maximize airflow. The fuel system has a new pump design and wider transfer tube for a steady fuel flow during cornering. The cooling system gets a new high-speed water pump, five-level water-cooled oil cooler and a new high-capacity 200W radiator output motor. And the exhaust's larger 5.6L center pipe capacity delivers a satisfying growl, with an Active Sound Control system that augments engine sound in the cabin.
Purist Sports Car Design, Track Ready Aerodynamics
First introduced in 2012, the first-generation 86 was a tribute to the fun-to-drive, AE-86 Corollas of the 1980s. The new GR 86 keeps that spirit alive with its focus on sporty design and weight management. Parabola-shaped transparent lens components give its LED headlights a fearless look, with the same sweeping, internal L-shape as the GR Supra. A GR sports car exclusive G-mesh-shaped matrix grille feeds air to the intake, and functional molding on the front bumper features a textured shark skin-inspired design to reduce drag.
On the side, its front fender and large rocker molding form side sill spoilers with integrated air outlets, improving aerodynamics at the door drop. The air outlets allow air inside the front wheel arch to escape, reducing wheel well turbulence and supporting stability. Along the doorline, a low, horizontally aligned underbody combines with the accentuated fender tops to express a strong front-rear posture. Black side mirrors add contrast and are slightly larger than the previous generation, with a curved shape to maximize airflow.
Maintenance Included, Limited Warranty & Price
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Standard ToyotaCare is a no additional cost plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage. The 2022 GR 86 will start at under $30,000; exact pricing will be shared prior to its expected arrival at Toyota US dealerships in November 2021.
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