The Toyota 86 has used quite a lot of names over time, however the redesigned 2022 mannequin builds on the legacy of its predecessors and brings loads of new issues to the desk.

Whereas we weren’t in a position to get behind the wheel ourselves, we rode shotgun whereas an expert racing driver took us on a scorching lap of Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas. The expertise gave us a number of new insights into the extremely anticipated sports activities automotive and clearly demonstrated its potential on the observe.

Additionally Learn: 2022 Toyota GR 86 Lands In America With More Power And Sleeker Styling

Straight away the automotive feels immediately acquainted, regardless of that includes an all-new design. A part of this may be chalked as much as almost equivalent dimensions because the GR 86 measures 167.9 inches (4265 mm) lengthy, 69.9 inches (1775 mm) extensive and 51.6 inches (1311 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 101.4 inches (2576 mm). This makes it 1.2 inches (30 mm) longer than its predecessor with solely an additional 0.2 inches (5 mm) positioned between the wheels. The mannequin can be 0.4 inches (10 mm) decrease than earlier than, whereas its width is unchanged.

Getting again to the design, the GR 86 appears to be like nice and incorporates practical vents in addition to weight saving aluminum within the fenders and roof. The latter helps it weigh roughly 2,800 lbs (1270 kg), which is on par with the 2020 86 which tipped the scales at 2,776 lbs (1259 kg) to 2,841 lbs (1289 kg) relying on the model.

A Classier And Extra Excessive-Tech Inside

One of many weakest factors of the outdated 86 was its inside, however Toyota has improved issues for 2022. Whereas the general look is acquainted, the GR 86 options an all-new dashboard which eschews the upholstered accent used on its predecessor.

Drivers can even discover increased high quality switchgear, classier air vents, and a bigger 8-inch infotainment system. Furthermore, the analog gauges have been changed by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster which modifications relying on the chosen driving mode.

Whereas we solely acquired to take a look at the inside for a couple of minutes, it looks like a pleasant enchancment over the earlier 86. That’s definitely true of the range-topping GR 86 Premium which has leather-based and Alcantara upholstery in addition to contrasting silver accents. Different highlights embody aluminum pedals, leather-based touchpoints and an upgraded audio system.

If You Need A Turbo, Get A Supra

We will’t speak about driving impressions, however Toyota officers addressed the one query that followers have been asking ever because the coupe debuted in April: why doesn’t the GR 86 have a turbo engine?

The reply isn’t a lot of a shock as Toyota wished the mannequin to be aspirational however obtainable. The latter factored in closely as including a turbocharged engine would enhance complexity and price, which is the precise reverse of the GR 86’s mission of being an reasonably priced, light-weight sports activities automotive.

For sure, Toyota gives the Supra with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It develops 255 hp (190 kW / 259 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, which supplies it bragging rights over the 86’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine with 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque.

That’s considerably lower than the Supra and turbocharged four-cylinder variations of the Camaro and Mustang, however the 2022 GR 86’s engine incorporates a bigger displacement than its predecessor in addition to modifications to the consumption and exhaust.  Thanks to those modifications, the mannequin has an additional 23 hp (17 kW / 23 PS) and 28 lb-ft (38 Nm) of torque.

That’s a modest acquire, however the enhancements are fairly noticeable on paper because the handbook variant can speed up from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.1 seconds which is an enchancment of 0.9 seconds. Fashions outfitted with the six-speed automated are slower because the sprint to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes 6.6 seconds, besides that’s a powerful 1.4 second enchancment over the outdated coupe.

Moreover, the engine now produces its peak torque at 3,700 rpm as an alternative of 6,600 rpm. This makes it extra available and one thing that guarantees to enhance the general driving expertise.

Given the similarities to the earlier 86 and Scion FR-S, some folks have assumed the GR 86 makes use of the identical platform as its predecessor. Toyota dismissed this by saying the automotive rides on an all-new structure, however does use some carryover elements. The corporate didn’t go into specifics, however we’ll possible be taught extra later this 12 months.

We’re wanting ahead to getting behind the wheel ourselves, however we’ve a wait forward of us because the 2022 GR 86 received’t go on sale in the US till the fourth quarter of this 12 months.

Stay image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops