The much-awaited Toyota GR86, 2023, has been launched in Qatar by Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), distributors for Toyota vehicles in the country.
The exclusive event in the Toyota Showroom, Al Abdulghani Tower, was attended by Yazan Mustafa, chief operating officer - Commercial & Industrial Division and AAB senior managers.
Khalid al-Maraghi and Faesal al-Yafei who represented Qatar at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Mena Esports Cup held in Jordan in connection with the Regional Launch of GR86, were the special guests. Al-Maraghi won the second place in the finals which witnessed fierce competition between 26 professional digital racers from 13 countries.
Toyota GR86 is described as a stylish coupe that brings sports-focused handling and performance to a wider audience. Sleek and assertive exterior is paired with a comfortable cabin that offers a range of practical features designed to elevate the daily driving experience. The new GR86 is an evolution of the previous GT86; the model launched a decade ago that signalled Toyota’s renewed commitment to sports car engineering. The coupe retains the classic configuration of a front-mounted engine with rear-wheel drive for a fun driving experience.
The development of Toyota’s GR models by the TGR team fulfills the company’s mission to use the experience and know-how gained from participation in motorsport to build ‘ever-better cars.’ Yasunori Suezawa, chief engineer in charge of the vehicle’s development, commented: “The GR86’s mission is to open up the world of GR, enabling it to be enjoyed by more and more people. When you get behind the wheel, it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. For that reason, we set ‘smile behind the wheel’ as our key development goal. Our objective was to develop a powerful yet fun-to-drive vehicle that would bring happiness to sports car fans. I believe we have achieved this and more; the new GR86 provides direct and satisfying performance that truly embodies the GR spirit.”
Kei Fujita, chief representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “Designed for enthusiasts by enthusiasts, the latest addition to our GR range offers true sports car performance with a focus on added stability, power, and improved aerodynamics. Importantly, it is not simply for purists and those with high levels of experience; its rewards can be discovered day-to-day on the open road as much as on the track.”
The GR86 inherits the front-independent MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone suspension system featured on the GT86, with a performance tuned for an even higher level of response and stable handling. The successful lowering of the centre of gravity is central to the car’s superior handling and exhilarating driving experience. The overall dimensions of the new GR86 are close to those of its predecessor, but the height has been lowered by 10mm (to 1,310 mm), while 5mm has been added to the wheelbase (2,575mm).
With its wide stance, the rear-wheel-drive coupe’s handling changes come in the form of front and rear-frame reinforcements that increase rigidity. Functional exterior air vents were also added to further support steering stability. In addition, weight-shaving details, such as aluminum roof panels and fenders, ensure a nimble curb weight of just over 1,270kg. The 2.4 litre naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine brings a power upgrade, from 205 to 228hp and 212 to 250nm of torque. The power boost stems from a series of tweaks, including increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology. These deliver a responsive and powerful driving experience, particularly when coming out of curves onto straight roads. In addition, drivers can choose between a 6-speed manual (MT) or automatic transmission (AT). The bigger engine also improves zero-to-60 times, from 7.0 to 6.3 seconds for the MT and from 8.0 to 6.9 seconds for the AT.
With a refined, aerodynamic profile, the new GR86 boasts a sleek and assertive look with a long hood and short rear deck highlighting its racing-inspired proportions. The front of the vehicle features a GR-specific Functional Matrix ‘G Mesh’ Grille, which fuses performance and expressiveness. The angular LED headlights complement the aerodynamic front air dams and vents, with side sill spoilers to aid steering responsiveness and stability. The tightened wheel arches at the vehicle’s rear express a wide stance, while arch fins control airflow. Aerodynamic fins have also been added to the lower rear bumper to further enhance stability.
The 2023 GR86’s driver-focused cockpit is designed to elevate the daily driving experience while also offering a simplicity that keeps drivers squarely focused on the road. It features a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen, which displays all-new three-mode digital instrumentation, including Normal, Sport, and Track modes. While in Track mode, drivers receive real-time readouts of gear position, engine speed, water temperature, and oil temperature. The horizontally configured instrument panel now has LCD toggle displays with silver trimmed dials that give the cabin a modern, race-inspired feel. Standard sport front bucket seats with side bolster firmly hold drivers in place around each corner. The GR86 also brings everyday usability, with 2+2 seating that offers the versatility of fold-down rear seats.
The vehicle’s comfortable cabin hosts a range of practical features, including an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for hands-free phone capability, two USB ports and one auxiliary port, a six-speaker sound system, a powerful automatic dual-zone air conditioning system, and many more. As with any other Toyota model, safety remains a top priority for the new GR86. The vehicle comes equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, such as seven SRS airbags (including driver’s knee airbag), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Brake Signal System (ESS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), and Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), among many others.
The new GR86 comes in a choice of seven distinctive exterior colours - Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Bright Blue, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Ice Silver Metallic, as well as two new colours; Spark Red and Sapphire Blue. The interior is available in a choice of Black or Black and GR Red. Customers can also choose between two types of newly designed wheels that add to the vehicle’s sleek and streamlined appearance, with 17-inch alloy wheels consisting of five twin spokes or 18-inch matte black alloy sports wheels.
