The long-awaited Toyota GR86 breaks cover

Staff reporterWhile carrying on the tradition of the 86 and engaging in friendly rivalry with Subaru's BRZ development team, TGR sought to develop a vehicle that would realise 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.Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) announced that sales of the all-new GR86 have commenced at GR Garage and Toyota dealers in the Land of the Rising Sun. Toyota SA have stated that launch as well as sales will be confirmed in 2022, so here’s hoping.What you seeWith fender tops that extend horizontally to the beltline, the GR86 silhouette highlights its appeal as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Its low, horizontal underbody and narrow cabin rear combine to underline the breadth of the vehicle and its low centre of gravity and hint at its intuitive responsiveness.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.What you feelThe GR86 operating system, which includes the horizontally accented instrument panel and various switches is optimally located to enable the driver to focus on driving.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, changing according to which driving mode is engaged. The NORMAL mode shows the current speed in large numbers inside a circular tachometer; in Sports mode (available on AT grades only), the edges and rings of the tachometer gauge turn red; TRACK mode takes inspiration from racing car displays, and shows engine speed in large numbersThe 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 horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine equipped with D-4SSporting a lightweight, compact engine with a low centre-of-gravity in line with previous iterations, the GR86 increases its displacement size from 2.0 to 2.4L. The engine delivers superior driving performance as a consequence, achieving 0-100 km/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 rpm.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. The new GR86 provides outstanding agilityThe dimensions of the new GR86 are almost identical to the previous model. However, by limiting both the overall height and hip-point of the vehicle, and by positioning the seats further toward its centre, the car realizes a lower centre-of-gravity and enhanced turning performance. Users can expect to experience a real sense of speed when accelerating, and feel as if the car is an extension of their bodies.Body rigidity has been improved, with the goal of offering pleasurable handling in all speed ranges?from urban driving to the upper limits of performance. Lateral bending has been improved by approximately 60% and torsional rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 50%, delivering nimble handling through high-speed corners and guaranteeing outstanding steering stability.The GR86 has been thoroughly lightened through increased use of high-tensile steel plates, and the adoption of an aluminium engine hood, engine underbody, roof, and front fenders.Aerodynamic components rooted in motorsportsThe 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.The GR86 is also 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.Customers will also be able to choose from a wide variety of custom GR PARTS to maximise the appeal of their GR86. Watch the media for updates on it’s local availability.

The long-awaited Toyota GR86 breaks cover

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-18

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The long-awaited Toyota GR86 breaks cover

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-18

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