All-new 2024 Toyota GR86 coupe makes UAE debut
Svelte bodywork, bigger motor, more power and torque, handling upgrades and a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 6.3 seconds; prices start at AED 149,900
Toyota is bringing ‘Sporty’ back with the launch of the all-new 2024 Toyota GR86 in the UAE. The GR86 is the next step in the evolution of the very popular 86 (or FT86) sportscar launched over a decade ago. The new coupe – designed for driving pleasure – retains the classic configuration with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, but gets new svelte bodywork, power and torque upgrades from the larger motor, a lower centre of gravity and improved handling. It also provides an entry point to Toyota’s high-performance GR (Gazoo Racing) range, which now includes, Land Cruiser GR, Hilux GR and GR Supra.
Exterior: Stylish aerodynamic design, 7 exterior colours and up to 18-inch wheels
The GR86’ s refined silhouette keeps the ‘long hood and short rear deck’ formula. Upfront, it has a GR-specific MATRIX ‘G Mesh’ Grille and LED headlights, complemented by front air dams and vents, with side sill spoilers. It gains a wider stance and diffuser-like fins on the lower rear bumper. The overall dimensions remain similar, but height has been lowered by 10 mm to 1,310 mm and wheelbase lengthened by 5 mm to 2,575 mm. Seven exterior colours are offered, namely, Crystal White Pearl, Ignition Red, Crystal Black Silica, Oasis Blue, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. Base wheels are 5-twin-spoke 17-inch alloys, while 18-inch matte black alloy wheels are also available.
Powertrain & suspension: Larger displacement 2.4L; 6-spd manual and auto option; lower CG and weight savings
The new 2.4-litre naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed 4-cylinder boxer engine which replaces the 2.0-litre 4-pot helps bump peak power from 197 hp to 233 hp and top torque from 205 Nm to 250 Nm. Drivers can choose between a 6-speed manual (MT) or automatic transmission (AT). The powertrain changes helps drop the 0-to-100 km/h times from 7.6 to 6.3 seconds for the MT, 8.2 to 6.9 seconds for the AT.
The GR86 inherits the front-independent MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone suspension system from its predecessor, albeit with better tuning. The lower centre of gravity also helps in this respect. The front and rear-frames have been reinforced too. Aluminium roof panels and fenders, keep curb weight at 1,270 kg approximately, which helps deliver a claimed fuel economy of 13.4 km/L.
Interior: Digital instruments, 2+2 seating & black & red schemes
The 2024 Toyota GR86’s driver-focused cockpit features a 7-inch TFT screen, which displays all-new 3-mode digital instrumentation, including Normal, Sport, and Track modes. The 2+2 seating configuration get standard sporty bucket seats upfront while the fold-down rear seats add greater versatility to the 201 litre luggage capacity. The MT gets a black interior, while the AT gets black/red on AT. It also gets an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, 2 USB ports and one auxiliary port, a 6-speaker sound system and an automatic dual-zone air conditioner.
Pricing & rivals: Starting at AED 149,900
The prices for the 2024 Toyota GR86 start at AED 149,900 for the MT and AED 159,900 for the AT. It will take on the likes of the VW Golf GTI, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX and its own sibling the BRZ
What are your thoughts on the new GR86? Is this what the original 86 was meant to be? Is it still affordable? Let us know your thoughts.
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