When it comes to sports cars, most folks think you need to pay a premium for performance. But Toyota has proven this theory wrong again with the all-new 2022 GR 86, arriving at auto dealers in the coming months. The redesigned GR 86 offers you a chance at an exceptional sports car at a price usually associated with an economy commuter model. The 2022 Toyota GR 86 performance sports coupe has a starting price under $30,000, making it one of the most affordable models in its class.
What’s more, when you buy a 2022 Toyota GR 86, you get a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sports Association (NASA). While this is not the NASA that puts people on the moon, you’ll feel like you’ve gone to the moon when you see all of the great benefits of this membership, including a free high performance driving event as well as discounted admission tickets to NASA sponsored events.
Unlike so many other performance vehicles in its price range, the Toyota GR 86 is not just a trim on an existing model with some performance gear thrown in for good measure. The GR 86 was designed solely as a performance coupe with a specialized engine, transmission, drivetrain, and suspension to give you the cornering and handling you expect when you get behind the wheel of a genuine sports car.
Great Performance on the Toyota GR 86
The GR in GR 86 stands for Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team, and the 2022 GR 86 is powered by an all-new engine that lives up to the Gazoo Racing name. This is a 2.4-liter FA24 Boxer-4 engine that can produce 228 horsepower at 7000 rpm and generate 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm, a lower rev rate to get peak performance out of this engine. The notorious torque dip that the old 86 was well-known for has also been tuned out of the new engine, giving you a flat power band across the rev range. Since the arrangement is a flat-four rather than the more traditional inline-four cylinders, the GR 86 boasts a much lower center of gravity, improving the car’s handling.
The new engine continues to boast the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology found on the old engine. This combines the best of direct fuel injection and port fuel injection technologies. At lower rpm, the port fuel injection will work to maximize combustion efficiency and prevent deposits from forming in the engine. When you go for peak performance, the direct fuel injection system will take over to cool the engine’s cylinders and deliver maximum power. This is how a relatively small engine can produce such amazing horsepower and torque.
Toyota has chosen to give drivers a choice of transmissions on the 2022 GR 86. The 6-speed close-range manual transmission gives you exceptional control over engine performance. You can engage the Track mode with the touch of a button to give you optimal acceleration. The 6-speed automatic transmission features dynamic rev management. It has steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to give you more control than you would otherwise have on an automatic transmission. You also get the added benefit of choosing between several driving modes, including Sport, Track, and Snow, which gives you extra traction on the rear-wheel drive Toyota GR 86 for inclement weather.
Your choice of transmission will also have an effect on performance. The 2022 Toyota GR 86 with the manual transmission will give you better overall acceleration, while choosing the automatic transmission will boost fuel economy. The manual transmission GR 86 can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.1 seconds while giving you an estimated 21 miles per gallon combined. The 2022 GR 86 with automatic transmission is a little slower off the stop, going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a still quite impressive 6.6 seconds. Choosing automatic transmission does improve fuel economy, giving you an estimated 24 miles per gallon combined. Whichever transmission you choose, your 2022 Toyota GR 86 will give you a top speed of 140 miles per hour, giving you the ability to keep up with folks in much more expensive sports coupes.
Great Ride On the Toyota GR 86
The 2022 GR 86 is designed to give you exceptional cornering ability. The leather-wrapped sports steering wheel gives you easy control with Toyota’s new Electronic Power Steering, giving it a 13.5:1 overall steering ratio. This will give you the ability to handle even the tightest curves without needing to downshift too aggressively.
Toyota has equipped the GR 86 base model with a set of 17-inch V-shaped machine-finished 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. These wheels wear Michelin Primacy HP tires. The Premium model sports 18-inch 10-spoke black aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. These wheels have a design inspired by a Japanese Samurai sword. Whichever model you choose, you are getting exceptional grip that maximizes cornering potential. As you can see, Toyota designed the 2022 GR 86 to provide handling and cornering over straight-line speed. This is a performance sports coupe, not a muscle car.
The 2022 Toyota GR 86 features a sports-tuned suspension. The front is an independent design with MacPherson struts, new rebound springs, and improved damping. The rear suspension features a multi-link double-wishbone design with a Torsen limited-slip differential standard. This will give you exceptional traction, as the differential will work to prevent wheel slippage from uneven distribution of torque, allowing you to corner with ease. The front and rear brakes feature large ventilated discs, able to stop your Toyota GR 86 on a dime.
Great Aerodynamic Looks on the Toyota GR 86
Toyota has given the new GR 86 a very rigid structure with a highly aerodynamic design. The body and chassis are assembled from a combination of high-strength steel, aluminum, and hot-stamped steel. This not only gives the GR 86 a great deal of strength and structural integrity but also lightens the 2022 Toyota GR 86 for an exceptional curb weight of just 2,811 pounds.
The exterior of the GR 86 is incredibly aerodynamic, which, when combined with the low overall weight, will help give this coupe better acceleration and fuel economy. It has a wide stance with functional vents, spoilers, arch fins, and diffuser to produce better airflow and greater stability. The Premium model sports a large duckbill spoiler that contributes to the greater downforce, allowing you to cut through air currents with ease.
Toyota offers seven exceptional exterior colors, including Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black, Neptune, and Trueno Blue. No matter what color you choose, you are going to look great in your GR 86.
Great Comfort Inside the Toyota GR 86
Once you enter the 2022 GR 86, you will be struck by the gorgeous interior looks. The base model features black G-embossed fabric seats, while the Premium trim upgrades to perforated Alcantara covered heated front seats with leather side bolsters and Alcantara upholstered rear seats. Seating is a split 2+2 design, apportioning enough of the 78 square feet of passenger space to accommodate up to four riders.
The 2022 GR 86 features a standard 8-inch touchscreen on its center-mounted multimedia system. You and your passengers can stay connected through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The base model has a six-speaker audio system, while the GR 86 Premium features an eight-speaker stereo. For audiophiles, Toyota offers an optional 10-inch 200-watt subwoofer. With all that comfort and sound, you and your passengers are never going to want to leave your 2022 Toyota GR 86.
A Great Coupe for the Driving Enthusiast
For folks who want to drive something different from the usual sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, then you should check out a 2022 Toyota GR 86. This will give you the chance to own and drive a performance sports coupe at a very affordable price. What’s more, with its exceptional engine, choice of transmissions, and excellent engineering, this is one sports coupe that you can also drive all week, even if your only goal is to get to and from work as safely and quickly as possible.
