Toyota introduces all-new 2022 GR 86 — Thrills around every corner



(August 18, 2021) PLANO, Texas — Thrills are just around the corner with Toyota’s all-new 2022 GR 86. For the next-generation coupe, the same fanatics behind Toyota Gazoo Racing’s championship race cars looked to engineer even greater curve-hugging precision, with a focus on added stability, power and improved aerodynamics. The result? A track-ready, driver’s car made for pure fun.

 
    
     

How’d they do it? To start, the GR team built upon the nimble attributes of the current generation 86 chassis by adding strategically placed high-strength steel, new cross members up front and a full-ring frame in the rear. Then, they engineered nearly 18% more horsepower and 11% more torque by utilizing a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The GR 86 now makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

They tuned it so the peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3,700 rpm, versus 6,600 rpm on the previous generation, making for a responsive and powerful driving experience – especially when coming out of the curves and onto the straightaways. It’s available in a manual transmission (MT) or paddle-shifted automatic (AT), so drivers can choose an experience that fits their style.

GR engineers knew that keeping a low center of gravity and svelte curb weight was vital for maximum fun. Constructed with a weight-saving aluminum roof and front fenders, the GR 86 base grade weighs in at only 2,811 pounds for the MT (2,851 pounds in the AT), making it among the lightest sports cars on the market. The combination of 53:47 front:rear balance, a low-slung 51.6-inch overall height and a compact flat-four engine gives GR 86 all the right ingredients for firmly planted sports car handling.

GR 86 comes in seven exterior color choices, Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black and Neptune or Trueno Blue. With 2+2 seating for everyday functionality and a fold-flat rear seat for extra space, it’s available in two grades: GR 86 and GR 86 Premium.

The Premium grade features a large duckbill spoiler, black 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, perforated Alcantara and leather-trimmed, dual-mode heated front seating and an eight-speaker multimedia audio system. The GR 86 base model sits on 17-inch wheels and comes with black G-embossed fabric seats and a six-speaker multimedia audio system. An available 200W subwoofer adds bass to the sound system on either grade.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) team spent late nights in the garage under flickering fluorescent lights to enhance performance on the new GR 86.

With the move from a 2.0L to 2.4L flat-four engine, the 2022 GR 86 increases its engine bore diameter to 94mm (previously 86mm) for nearly 20% more displacement, bumping up from 1,998cc to 2,387cc. The bigger engine improved zero-to-60 times from 7.0 to 6.1 seconds for the MT and from 8.0 to 6.6 seconds for the AT; manufacturer estimated fuel economy is 19 city/26 highway/21 combined MPG (6-Speed M/T) and 20 city/30 highway/24 combined (6-Speed A/T).

Toyota’s D-4S dual injection technology is re-tuned to deliver more aggressive throttle input. This system combines direct fuel injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which allows the engine to use a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors come into play during light- and medium-load conditions to help maximize combustion efficiency.

The intake manifold’s port diameter and length have been optimized to support linear torque and acceleration and the air intake has also been redesigned to maximize airflow. The fuel system has a new pump design and wider transfer tube for a steady fuel flow during cornering. The cooling system gets a new high-speed water pump, five-level water-cooled oil cooler and a new high-capacity 200W radiator output motor. And the exhaust’s larger 5.6L center pipe capacity delivers a satisfying growl, with an Active Sound Control system that augments engine sound in the cabin.

The GR team also reworked the chassis and body to complement GR 86’s increase in power.
Up front, diagonal cross members were added to the joints between the front suspension and frame, improving load transmission input from the front tires and reducing lateral bending. The hood has an internal diagonal frame structure for stability, modified from a honeycomb design on the prior generation. High-strength fasteners connect the frame and suspension mounts.

Additional rigidity is added to the rear thanks to a new full-ring structure that completely ties the upper and lower chassis together. High-strength fasteners connect the rear frame and suspension mounts to handle the g-forces in corners.

The materials used in the chassis were also carefully selected to optimize handling. Crafted from a combination of high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel and aluminum, each material is strategically placed in the frame to bring drivers a balance of roll and pitch that maximizes control. For additional reinforcement, structural adhesive throughout the underbody creates a taut, connected frame.