It took ToyotaUK just 90 minutes to sell all UK examples of the GR86, but how excited should the lucky buyers be? _rlane_ gets to grips with what could be the best affordable sports car on sale
So what do the lucky deposit-holders have in store? In essence, an evolution of the charming but rough-edged GT86, which was introduced in 2012 and enthralled anyone and everyone who drove one in anger but never did the numbers for Toyota. Only 7500 were sold over here in nine years, and even if it's unlikely the car was loss-making, there’s no doubt it made scant profit. What it did for Toyota’s perception both of itself internally and in the eyes of enthusiasts was far more valuable.
With the exception of the tyres, the engine is probably the single biggest change to the package, and everything else is either unchanged or subtly evolved. The GR86’s brakes and electrohydraulic steering are carried over directly from the GT86, as is the Torsen rear differential and final drive ratio, though the gearsets are new for both the manual car and the automatic because of the changed nature of the 2.4’s delivery.
Finally, those tyres. Toyota has opted for a considerably more serious compound of rubber than it deployed for the GT86. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres replace the old car’s easy-going Primacy rubber. Cue concerned expressions all-round. At least the new tyres keep same 215-section width used for the GT86, which suggests that grip hasn’t been overly prioritised. But still.
The GR86 is continuously flickable and tweakable, and beause the Boxer engine is buried low and close to the bulkhead, there’s relatively little weight bearing down on its leading axle and this benefits not only steering response but also front-end grip. Back to dynamics and the good news is that, while both ends move in commendably uniform fashion during cornering, the back axle of the car is even more lovable and engaging than the front. The GR86 will change direction neatly and tidily and with balance to spare but what it really wants to do, you sense, is carry slightly excessive pace into corner, then smudge the tyres of its driven rear wheels ever so slightly out of line on exit.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toyota GR86 review: close to sports car perfectionWe've tested the new Toyota GR86: 'Close to affordable sports car perfection,' says TimPollardCars 👀
Read more »
Over 5500 km in the 2022 Toyota Tundra, part 2 | Car Reviews | Auto123Auto123 drove to Canada's Far North in a 2022 Toyota Tundra. Today, Part Two of our unique test drive.
Read more »
BMW M3 Edition 50 Jahre, Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary, Lamborghini Urus: Car News HeadlinesSpecial versions of the BMW M3 and Toyota 4Runner, plus fresh Lamborghini Urus spy shots all made headlines today.
Read more »
2023 Toyota 4Runner Gains 40th Anniversary Edition, Additional Safety Equipment | Carscoops2023 Toyota 4Runner Gains 40th Anniversary Edition, Additional Safety Equipment | Carscoops carscoops
Read more »
2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary edition marks four decades of rugged SUVThe 4Runner is entering its 40th year on the market and Toyota is celebrating.
Read more »
Toyota GR86 review: close to sports car perfectionWe've tested the new Toyota GR86: 'Close to affordable sports car perfection,' says TimPollardCars 👀
Read more »