The yuzu is a citrus fruit that’s popular in Japanese cooking. It looks like a small orange but has a slightly sour taste that’s sweeter than a lemon. Yuzu is among the few citruses that can handle below-freezing temperatures, meaning they can grow in cold places. If you’re wondering why an automotive site is educating you about an obscure fruit, then read further.
Toyota will launch the 2026 GR86 Yuzu Special Edition in the United States this fall as the latest limited-edition version of the sports coupe. The limited production run is just 860 units. Pricing will be available closer to the model’s launch. The figure will likely be higher than the current Premium grade’s starting cost of $33,735 (after the $1,135 destination fee).
The Yuzu GR86
Toyota reports the Yuzu yellow color on this special edition is a reference to the shade available on the 2015 Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0, marking over a decade since buyers could get such an eye-catching shade of paint. The vibrant yellow color for the exterior and interior stitching takes inspiration from the eponymous citrus fruit. Beyond the unique, bright body color, Toyota outfits this special edition with a set of 18-inch, black, 10-spoke wheels.
The interior has black fabric upholstery with Yuzu yellow accents. The seats receive Ultrasuede trim with yellow perforations. The steering wheel, parking brake handle, and door trim have yellow stitching, too. The front seats are six-way adjustable and have two levels of heating. The cabin comes standard with an eight-inch infotainment screen and an eight-speed stereo.
More To Know About This Special Edition
The special edition uses the range-topping GR86 Premium grade as a starting point. The model comes standard with Brembo brakes and Sachs dampers, which are generally part of the $1,500 Performance Package. Buyers have the option to add a cat-back exhaust with GR-branded tips and a bodykit.
The powertrain doesn’t receive any changes. The 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder continues to make 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox helps the car to get to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds, and the available six-speed automatic takes this time to 6.6 seconds. All versions come with a Torsen limited-slip differential for the rear axle.
Buyers also get a one-year membership in the National Auto Sport Association, including one free entry in the group’s High Performance Driving Event track sessions. This organization regularly operates meetings at circuits and amateur races around the country so that owners can experience the car on a circuit.
TopSpeed’s Take
Toyota regularly offers special editions of the GR86. Last year, there was the dark green Hakone edition. This time, the company decided to create a car with a more vibrant color. The bright shade highlights the car’s sculpted lines. If someone is already in the market for a GR86, then this special model might be the one to get because of the potential for future collectability.
Read the full article here