The Toyota GR86 isn’t just another sports car rolling off the production line; it’s a nod to a heritage deeply cherished by automotive enthusiasts worldwide – the legacy of the Ae86 Toyota. While decades separate these two iconic models, the spirit of accessible performance and driver-focused exhilaration connects them. For those who understand the significance of the AE86 Toyota, the GR86 is more than just a successor; it’s a modern interpretation of the principles that made the original a legend.
Stepping inside the GR86, you’re immediately enveloped in a cockpit designed with the driver in mind, a philosophy reminiscent of the AE86 Toyota’s functional and engaging interior. The low-slung seating position and driver-centric layout create an intimate connection with the car. A digital instrument panel provides essential information at a glance, while push-button start and user-friendly HVAC controls with LED dials offer modern convenience without sacrificing the sporty feel. Piano-key switches add a touch of tactile satisfaction, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel, complete with integrated audio controls, ensures you remain connected to the driving experience. For those opting for the 6-speed automatic transmission, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters provide an engaging level of control, allowing for dynamic gear changes at your fingertips. Drivers can tailor their experience further with selectable driving modes, choosing between Normal, Sport, or Snow to optimize performance for various conditions. In Sport mode, the intelligent transmission intuitively adapts to braking, acceleration, and vehicle behavior, automatically selecting the ideal gear to deliver the responsiveness and control that driving enthusiasts crave.
The GR86 doesn’t skimp on modern technology where it enhances the driving experience. An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system is standard across the range, featuring a six-speaker audio system in the Base grade, and an upgraded eight-speaker system in the TRUENO Edition and Premium grade for a richer audio experience. Seating surfaces are carefully chosen to balance comfort and support. The Premium grade boasts Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed, six-way adjustable front seats in black and silver accents, complete with two-level heating for added comfort in colder climates. The Base grade features six-way adjustable black G-embossed fabric with sporty fabric side bolsters, providing excellent support during spirited driving. Rear seats are trimmed with Ultrasuede on the Premium grade and sport fabric on the Base grade, maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout the cabin.
In terms of safety, the GR86 integrates a comprehensive suite of features designed to provide peace of mind without detracting from the pure driving experience that echoes the spirit of the AE86 Toyota. All GR86 models come standard with an Active Safety Suite. Automatic Transmission models include Pre-Collision Braking System, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, and Automatic High Beams. Manual Transmission models are equipped with Pre-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Rear Sonar Warning. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard, ensuring vehicle security. Furthermore, Toyota’s Star Safety System™ is standard across all GR86 models, encompassing Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology® (SST), Track Mode, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). Additional safety features include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, are standard on all models, further enhancing occupant protection.
The GR86 also embraces modern connectivity, offering a suite of Connected Services* trials for enhanced convenience and peace of mind, a feature set far beyond what was conceivable during the AE86 Toyota era. These include a one-year trial subscription of Safety Connect** with Emergency Assistance Button and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, providing valuable support when needed. Remote Connect allows you to start, lock/unlock doors, and more using your compatible smart device. A one-year trial of Service Connect provides personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports, helping you stay on top of vehicle care. Additionally, a one-year trial of Remote Connect enables seamless interaction with your vehicle through the Toyota app via smartwatch, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, and Google Assistant™-enabled *devices, allowing you to lock/unlock doors, start and stop the vehicle, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers. For more detailed information, you can visit toyota.com/connected-services.
In conclusion, the Toyota GR86 successfully channels the essence of the AE86 Toyota, delivering a modern sports car experience that prioritizes driver engagement and accessible performance. It blends contemporary features with the timeless formula of a lightweight, agile coupe, ensuring the spirit of the AE86 legend lives on for a new generation of driving enthusiasts. The GR86 is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to creating cars that are not just modes of transportation, but sources of driving joy, echoing the enduring appeal of the AE86 Toyota.
*4G Network dependent
**Subscriptions required upon trial expiration.
