Hello, folks! Welcome to the Castelloli Circuit in sunny Spain, where I bring you some exciting news—the affordable sports car is still alive and kicking! Yes, in these times of increasing sustainability and responsibility, Toyota has gifted us a second generation of the GT86, now called the GR86. It’s a sports car that may just be the most rewarding driver’s car for enthusiasts on a budget in the last decade.
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Despite the changing automotive landscape, where electrification and eco-consciousness are the buzzwords, Toyota has stayed true to its commitment to delivering pure driving thrills. Many thought they would retire the GT86, but instead, they’ve doubled down on the formula—and here we are with the GR86.
What’s New in the GR86?
The GR in GR86 stands for Gazoo Racing, the same motorsport division behind the legendary GR Yaris and GR Supra. The most significant change in this model? A new 2.4-liter flat-four engine.
This updated engine brings more power and torque to the table. You get around 232 horsepower (up by about 30 hp) and 184 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque arriving earlier at 3,700 RPM. In the previous GT86, you had to push the engine hard, all the way to 6,000 RPM, to really feel the power, but the GR86 makes the torque more accessible, which means it’s faster and more responsive across the entire rev range.
In fact, the GR86 now sprints from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, exactly 1 second quicker than the outgoing model. Not bad for an affordable sports car!
Serious Improvements, Same Fun
Toyota didn’t just upgrade the engine; they’ve also lowered the roofline and the center of gravity, making the car feel even more planted. The chassis is 50% more rigid, and the car is 20 kg lighter than its predecessor. With stiffer suspension, firmer anti-roll bars, and improved bushings, the GR86 feels more mature—yet still playful.
The design and engineering team have fine-tuned the suspension setup to make the car more agile and responsive, without sacrificing its fun factor. Yes, the GR86 is a bit more serious now, but it’s still the drift king we all know and love.
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The GR86 is built by Subaru at their Gunma plant in Japan, just like the Subaru BRZ, its twin. It shares the 2.4-liter engine with the Subaru WRX, although in a naturally aspirated form to keep the center of gravity low—a key aspect of this car’s nimble handling.
Despite no turbocharger (which might disappoint some), the engineers made sure that this decision kept the driving dynamics sharp. This was crucial to maintain that connected feel, which would have been lost with a higher center of gravity caused by turbocharging.
Driving Experience: Still Drifty, Still Fun
Now, the big question—does the GR86 still offer the same hilarious, drifty fun as the original? The short answer is a resounding yes!
As I tackle a tight right-hander at Castelloli Circuit, I can immediately feel the car’s eagerness to break into a controlled skid. The power delivery is smoother thanks to the improved torque curve, and the engine now revs all the way to 7,500 RPM, making it more exhilarating than ever.
The steering is weighted beautifully, and the gearbox retains that mechanical, connected feel that I absolutely love. You can really throw the car into corners and trust it to respond with precision. Whether you’re sliding through an apex or accelerating hard out of a corner, the GR86 delivers with confidence.
On regular roads, the GR86 feels firmer than before—especially noticeable if you’re on rough surfaces. While UK roads may test its ride quality, the car manages to balance performance and daily comfort quite well. It feels more hardcore, but not uncomfortably so.
Improved Performance Without Losing Character
One of the most significant improvements is how the car handles under high-speed cornering. In the previous GT86, you’d often feel like you were lacking torque in uphill sections or tight corners. The GR86 fixes that, giving you just enough grunt to power through corners while maintaining its drift-happy nature.
The traction control system has also been upgraded. In Track mode, the system allows you to have a bit of fun with oversteer but will step in before things get too wild. But let’s be honest, if you really want to explore the GR86’s full potential, you’re probably going to turn the traction control off entirely—and why not? This car practically begs you to push it to its limits!
One thing is for sure: the GR86 is still incredibly forgiving. Even if you throw it into a corner too fast, the chassis responds in such a way that you can easily tidy it up without losing control. It’s the perfect car for learning to drift—or for those who just want to have a blast on a twisty road.
Is the GR86 Better Than the GT86?
That’s a good question. I’d say yes. The GR86 builds on everything that made the GT86 great but adds more power, better handling, and an overall more mature driving experience. It still has the same playful spirit, but it feels more capable and refined.
The extra torque makes a big difference, and the fact that you don’t have to work the engine as hard as before means that it’s more usable for everyday driving. Yet, when you want to let loose, the GR86 is just as happy to kick the rear out and let you enjoy the ride.
If you loved the original, you’re going to love this even more.
Final Thoughts: Get One While You Can!
In a world where pure, affordable sports cars are becoming a rarity, the Toyota GR86 is a breath of fresh air. It’s still as fun as ever, but with meaningful improvements that make it more engaging to drive. My advice? Get one while you can. With the way the automotive world is shifting, we may not see many more cars like this.
For those of you who want to see the Toyota GR86 in action, including its drift capabilities and all the finer details of its design, check out our video review on the channel. You’ll get a firsthand look at just how good this car really is. Click here to watch!