Toyota South Africa announces the global launch of its all-new GR86
The long-awaited Toyota GR86 is now available for sale in Japan. Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) announced that the sales of the all-new GR86 have commenced at GR Garage and Toyota dealers in the Land of the Rising Sun, while Toyota South Africa Motors says local timing for launch as well as sales will be confirmed in 2022.
According to Motorpress, the GR86 was developed with Subaru Corporation (Subaru). In September 2019, Toyota and Subaru partnered into a new business and capital alliance with an aim to make even better cars in new segments – including the joint development of the new Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV).
In addition to building New Energy Vehicles, the two companies share a desire to continue delivering the excitement, thrill and joy of driving sports cars. They have also engaged in the joint development of sports cars that embody the unique qualities of both companies.
The 86 shares the same base as the Subaru BRZ. Toyota mainly focused on delivering a unique driving feel of a GR vehicle, with intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness, linear response as well as outstanding agility at the upper limits of performance.
As the tradition of the 86 continues and the engagement in friendly rivalry with Subaru’s BRZ development team, TGR sought to develop a vehicle that would portray a GR-like evolution. As a result, the new GR86 has been reborn as a car designed with outstanding driving feel that is both direct and satisfying.
Exterior
The front of the vehicle features the GR-specific Functional MATRIX Grille, which fuses performance and aesthetics. To mark its evolution from the 86 to the GR86, the GR86 logo has also been redesigned. The narrow cabin rear combines to underline the breadth of the vehicle and its low centre of gravity, and hint at its intuitive responsiveness.
The GR86 has been thoroughly lightened through increased use of high-tensile steel plates, and the adoption of an aluminum engine hood, engine underbody, roof, and front fenders.
Interior
The GR86 operating system ― which includes the horizontally-accented instrument panel and various switches―is optimally located to enable the driver to focus on driving.
It is equipped with a BOXER Meter, comprising a 7-inch colour screen and LCD metres, the car’s opening animation sequence is inspired by the piston movements of the GR86’s horizontally opposed engine, and fosters a sense of excitement even before the drive begins.
The metre display embodies the GR86’s sports performance and changes according to which driving mode is engaged. NORMAL mode shows the current speed in large numbers inside a circular tachometre; in Sports mode (available on AT grades only), the edges and rings of the tachometre gauge turn red; TRACK mode takes inspiration from racing car displays, and shows engine speed in large numbers
The GR86 seats deliver a sensation of being at one with the vehicle. The lightweight front seats use independent pads used to support the body, and, in order to withstand the lateral and longitudinal g-forces generated during aggressive sports driving, they are covered in an extremely grippy material.
New four-cylinder engine equipped with D-4S
The GR86 increases its displacement size from 2.0-litre to 2.4-litre. The engine delivers superior driving performance as a consequence, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in just 6.3 seconds―down from the 7.4 seconds of the previous model. Engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high rpms.
The GR86 is equipped with D-4S, a dedicated twin injector that optimally controls two types of injection according to driving conditions: direct injection, which directly injects fuel into the combustion chamber, and the more common port injection, which directly injects fuel into the intake port. D-4S combines with a horizontally opposed engine that incorporates variable valve timing, to deliver improved intake and exhaust efficiency.
Aerodynamic components rooted in motorsports
The GR86 is fitted with front air outlets developed via motorsports feedback, as well as with side sill spoilers and a ducktail rear spoiler. As a result of repeated performance evaluations via both actual driving and wind tunnel facilities, the car couples superb front-end road-holding and rear-end stability with outstandingly responsive and steady handling.
A sports car that provides a secure and safe car life
The GR86 is equipped with EyeSight5 Driver Assist Technology (AT grades only). Featuring pre-collision braking technologies that help avoid collisions and mitigate damage, the system provides support for safe everyday driving.
GR PARTS maximise the appeal of the GR86
TGR has prepared a selection of custom GR PARTS to maximise the appeal of the GR86. From everyday driving to sports driving, a wide-ranging parts line-up enables all customers to personalise their GR86.
Toyota South Africa Motors says local timing for launch as well as sales will be confirmed in 2022.
Picture/s: Motorpress