Even if we can’t currently buy any of them in Europe, Toyota’s GR performance models remain some of our very favourite cars on sale, especially the little front-engined, rear-wheel drive GR86 sports car. Offered in Europe in tiny numbers a few years ago before regulations saw it killed off, the back-to-basics coupe remains thriving in markets including North America and Japan, and in the latter it’s just received some upgrades that speak of the GR team’s wonderfully geeky approach to car development.
Firstly, the throttle control settings have been tweaked for more intuitive responses when exiting corners as well as driving in slippery conditions. Apparently, “A retained direct sensation and better linear response between pedal application and acceleration deliver a smooth, freely controllable driving experience in any situation,” which sounds like code for ‘it’s a bit easier to skid’.
Toyota GR86 – interior
Toyota’s also had a fiddle with the electric power steering, a move that’s said to reduce wheel wobble during high-speed cornering on rough surfaces, and has been developed using feedback gained from racing the GR86 in Japan’s Super Taikyu race series.
Peak nerdiness, though, comes with the gearshift on manual GR86s. Between fourth and fifth gears, the chamfer on the gate has been made – get this – an entire 0.5mm broader. This, we’re told, makes all the difference when it comes to “enhanced operability when downshifting from fifth to fourth gear.” Could have fooled us.
Toyota GR86 – shift gate diagram
It’s not only deeply nerdy engineering stuff that’s been done. The GR86’s EyeSight safety system now features a three-camera setup, up from two, providing a broader field of vision for peeking out of blind junctions. There’s a new matt paint colour, Solid Grey, returning after previously being a limited-time option on the old GT86 back in 2017, and some of the interior switchgear has been redesigned with a view to greater usability. Finally, the GR86 Cup Car Basic, a truly excellent stripped-back steel-wheeled version offered in Japan as a basis for motorsport conversions, is now offered with an automatic gearbox as well as a manual.
No word on if or when these geeky tweaks will come to other markets, or if they’ll also be applied to the GR86’s Subaru BRZ twin, but if you’re in Japan, the tweaked model is available now, starting at ¥2.936 million, or a ludicrously appealing £13,800. BRB, we’re moving to Japan.
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