Toyota’s Sexy 2023 GR86 Sportscar: SA Pricing & Details

Toyota has outlined many of the new upgrades, features, and pricing details of the 2023 GR86 arriving in South Africa.

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 engine (increased from 2.0 litres); enhanced dynamics thanks to increased body rigidity, lighter weight and a lower centre of gravity; and sharper aesthetics as a result of adopting motorsports-sourced aerodynamic features.

The 2023 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.

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 paired 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.

The six-speed manual transmission in the GR86 has been majorly revised in line with the engine’s increased power and torque and is key to this car’s essential fun-to-drive quality.

The focus on weight reduction (kerb weight is almost unchanged compared to the outgoing GT86) and bringing down the car’s centre of gravity is reflected in the use of strong and lightweight materials in key areas; this has helped lower the centre of gravity by 1.6 mm and shift 0.05% of the weight distribution to the rear of the car.

These include high-strength and hot-stamped steels and aluminium, which help control roll and pitch behaviour. More extensive application of structural adhesives throughout the underbody adds to the taut, connected quality of the car’s frame.

Aluminium is now used for the roof panel and front wings as well as the bonnet, with further weight savings from the new front seat, silencer and prop shaft designs.

The new electric power steering system (EPS) has a 13.5:1 ratio and requires just 2.5 turns of the GR86’s three-spoke steering wheel to move from lock to lock, giving easy manoeuvrability. The wheel has a tactile genuine leather trim and features the GR logo on the bottom edge.

The GR86’s exterior design is an evolution of the low-slung look of the GT86, expressing its classic front engine/rear-wheel drive set-up. Short overhangs add to the agile look, together with a wide and low stance, while the front and rear wings and cabin are individually accentuated, generating the dynamic feel of an authentic sportscar. Design details reference some of Toyota’s great sports cars of the past, such as the 2000GT and AE86 Corolla.

The new, parabola-shaped LED headlights have an internal L-shaped arrangement like those on the GR Supra, while the grille has a GR-exclusive “G” motif mesh pattern.

A series of aerodynamic features have been introduced, including a front air dam and fully functioning air vents combined with aero fins, created with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s motorsport expertise to better manage airflow and reduce turbulence around the tyres, enhancing steering stability. 

Pricing

• Toyota GR86 6MT – R698,100
• Toyota GR86 6AT – R733,700

All GR86 models are sold with a 6-services/90 000 km service plan (intervals set at 15 000 km) and carry a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Service and warranty plan extensions can also be purchased from any Toyota dealer (220 outlets).