2023 Toyota GR86 Premium
Written by Marco Carvajal
Ready to compete at high speed on the race track, the new GR86 is one more member of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing family of high-speed cars.
Toyota organizes the GR Cup for GR racing cars in different cities in the United States. This exciting event allows GR86 owners to participate in a major league-style racing competition.
The fast GR86, a Toyota brand racing car that you can buy ready to race in the high-speed GR Cup.
Toyota’s GR Racing line brings you the new 2023 GR 86, a race car that anyone can buy, but that comes ready to compete on the high-speed track.
You don’t need to be a professional driver with many years of experience, buy your GR 86 and Toyota gives you the opportunity to feel like the famous Fittipaldi driver competing in the GR Cup in the United States.
Toyota GR Cup allows buyers of the GR86 to compete in the racetrack
The super fast new Toyota GR86
For those who enjoy the pleasure of high speed behind the wheel, characteristic of its predecessor Toyota 86, the new 2023 Toyota GR86 sports car guarantees great response on the race track, thanks to its very lightweight, low center of gravity, large agility, and rapid acceleration with its new higher-performance 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.
The sporty 4-person race car, the 2023 Toyota GR86, is the second generation 86 and builds on the reputation of the first generation model by providing even more affordable sports car fun than before, with a 2.4-liter engine of increased power that produces almost 11% more horsepower, and 18% more torque than the previous 2.0-liter engine.
The new GR86 also improves handling precision with a 50% increase in chassis rigidity over the previous generation 86. It is a car designed for racing, but you can also use it on a daily basis.
Drivers of the new 2023 GR86 can choose a 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 6-speed manual transmission.
For 2023, the GR86 adds a limited-production 86 special edition with an exclusive Solar Shift paint color, 18-inch matte black forged alloy wheels, GR cat-back exhaust, and B-pillar racing stripes that make it look very sporty and attractive.
Toyota GR “Gazoo Racing”
The GR name comes from Toyota’s sports racing brand, Gazoo Racing, used in a number of Toyota-built racing cars and events.
GR cars are performance-oriented racing cars that are available to the public.
The first Toyota GR car available was the GR Supra, this was the first exclusive car from the GR brand. The GR Supra sports car uses the same platform as the BMW Z4 (G29) and is produced under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria.
The GR sports line began as a passion project of Akio Toyoda, who later became president of Toyota.
Toyota’s line of GR sports vehicles began marketing with the 2022 GR Supra and 2022 GR86 versions, then for 2023 a third model was added to the GR family of racing cars, the 2023 GR Corolla.
Toyota offers three GR models that you can buy in the United States, including the GR 86 that I’m testing, the GR Supra, and finally the GR Corolla model.
- GR 86
- GR Supra
- GR Corolla
For 2024 the GR line continues with the three models of the sports family, GR86, GR Supra, and GR Corolla.
On this occasion I am driving and testing the GR86, one of the fastest GR vehicles with a lot of racing style and excitement behind the wheel that is not easy to find in normal cars and even less so for an average price of $30,000.
GR racing car line
Toyota allows drivers to live the dream of driving a fast, track-proven sports car that can also be used for everyday rides.
A GR car is a vehicle that is ready to run in the big leagues in any race, but is priced affordably.
Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, puts a lot of dedication and energy into racing cars. Akio started this project to create the GR sports line before becoming president of Toyota.
Toyota offers you the Toyota GR line for speed, but if you’re looking for off-road excitement, Toyota offers you the Toyota TRD line.
GR Cup race bonus! GR car owners receive a free 1-year NASA membership
As a big plus, every new owner of a 2023 GR vehicle can hit the track with a NASA (National Motorsports Association) professional for a free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE) and discounted tickets to events. authorized by NASA to enjoy fast races with your Toyota GR 86.
Testing the Toyota GR86
I’m testing the all-new 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium, a very fast GR model, inspired by the classic Toyota 86 but with a bigger engine and more power.
The 2023 GR 86 is a completely new car, based on the old Toyota 86 model. The Toyota GR86 combines performance, architecture, good comfort, and great sports car value.
The good news is that this GR86 race car can be purchased for just $28,400 MSRP, a great price for a fast sports car with a 2.4L engine that produces 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
The original Toyota 86 (non-GR) was launched by Toyota as a result of joint development between Toyota and Subaru.
The 86 was born with three concepts in mind: rear-wheel drive, no turbocharger, and the possibility of using normal tires. The objective was met and Japanese automobile engineers gave rise to the 86, which had already stopped being built a few years ago. Now with the creation of the Toyota GR line, the 86 has been resurrected in the form of the Toyota GR86.
This GR86 Premium I’m driving combines a 6-speed automatic transmission with a 2.4L engine for excellent performance and easy driving.
The new GR86 is fantastic to drive, get ready for fast acceleration, a powerful 228 horsepower engine and a very attractive racing design. Toyota wants to offer a fantastic fast sports car at a very good price close to $30 thousand.
Four seats
Those drivers like me who have kids can use their GR86 on the fast highway when driving alone, but can also enjoy daily family driving with 4 seats, taking the kids to school, and impressing everyone in the line. school car passengers with the attractive sporty design of the 86.
Many other racing-style sports vehicles only have room for 2 passengers, making the GR86 a more attractive version with room for 4 passengers.
The GR 86 has 4 seats, but the interior space is very limited and tight, making it an ideal car for two passengers, but you have the bonus of being able to bring two more passengers when necessary.
Fuel Economy
The GR 86 Premium is a great sports car with a very good fuel economy of 25 Miles per Gallon average, with 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. This low fuel consumption for this type of car, along with its low price of an average of $30,000, makes the Toyota GR86 a product with great value for money.
Instead of paying more for gas and the high purchase prices of other cars, save some money to take your loved ones on quick trips aboard the Toyota GR86 on weekend trips.
GR86 performance
The Toyota GR 86 2023 Premium model is a fast and fun car, which brings us the image of the original Toyota 86, with a very strong and noisy engine that sounds like racing competition and strong speed changes.
The clutch and accelerator of the Toyota GR 86 let you feel the changes and the excitement of pressing the accelerator at high speeds.
The top speed of the GR86 is 140 miles per hour with the manual transmission, and 134 miles per hour with the automatic transmission.
The GR86 accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds with the manual transmission, and 6.6 seconds with the automatic transmission.
The controls and safety systems inside the GR 86 are good but they do not have a modern image, it seems that we are driving a retro car, which for many can be very attractive.
Whether you like this visual style of the Toyota GR 86, or you don’t like it, the reality is that the GR’s strongest attraction is its large engine that allows you to drive at high speed and with very strong and fast acceleration and braking.
For drivers who want to buy a fast sports car with a very attractive appearance and a fast and loud engine, but want to spend less than $30 thousand, the Toyota GR 86 is an excellent option.
Automakers like Toyota offer more purchasing options and options at a lower purchasing cost, thanks to the initiative of the Toyota president and the possibility of mass producing GR cars, thus reducing the unit cost of each car.
The GR 86 is ready for performance. Very strong stopping power is achieved thanks to the 11.6 and 11.4-inch ventilated front and rear brakes, and cornering grip thanks to Michelin Primacy HP tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels on the GR 86 and in the GR 86 Premium Michelin Pilot Sport. 4 tires on 18-inch black aluminum wheels.
The six-speed intelligent automatic transmission uses adaptive controls that sense brake and accelerator operation, automatically shifting to the optimal gear so the driver can experience just the right amount of control. The torque capacity has also increased, as well as the number of clutch discs for greater shifts.
The base GR86 manual transmission uses low-viscosity oil and strut bearings that improve clutch capacity and gear strength. These materials support the increased torque output of the 2.4L boxer engine. A redesigned, low-grip manual gearbox offers smooth, enjoyable control for manual transmission fans.
GR 86 Models and Prices
The new 2023 GR86 is available in three different models, GR86, GR86 Premium, and the new GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition model that has now been added in 2023. The exterior is available in seven exterior colors.
The premium GR 86 model I’m testing comes equipped with a duckbill rear spoiler, which adds dynamic contours and a sporty feel.
The price of all GR86 models is very good. The base model GR 86 starts at $28k, while the premium model GR 86 Premium costs $31k, and finally the new top-of-the-line GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition retails for $34k.
The price is very affordable for all the power and modern design you get from driving a GR86. Toyota gives you a complete package of a racing car at a very affordable price. If we wanted to modify a normal car to turn it into a racing car, the expense we would have to make is too high.
Among many small details, the main difference between the models is that the 86 Premium and the top-of-the-line GR 86th Anniversary Edition both come with an automatic transmission. On the other hand, the base model GR86 includes a manual transmission.
Both automatic transmissions, like the manual, have received the GR racing sport treatment.
- 2023 Toyota GR86 $28,400
2.4L, 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual
- 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium $31,000
2.4L 4 cylinders 6-speed automatic
- 2023 Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition $34,360
2.4L 4 cylinders 6-speed manual
Standard sport front bucket seats with side bolsters are firm and safe to drive with upgraded leather-trimmed sport seats and aluminum pedals on the Premium model.
The seats of the GR 86 can be adapted to your needs with 2+2 seats that offer the versatility of folding rear seats.
High-quality audio
The GR86 and GR86 Premium have a very similar audio system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen, eight speakers for the Premium, and six speakers for the base model GR 86, including an amplifier, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM. High speed with good music makes driving this car more pleasant.
Security systems
Both GR 86 models include Toyota‘s Star safety system, which includes safety features such as control vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA).
The new GR86 also includes Smart Stop Technology (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Follow Mode, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
The GR 86 also includes LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on the outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Seven airbags are standard on all models, plus a driver’s knee airbag.
The GR 86 Premium version with automatic transmission comes with standard intelligent active safety features including pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, sway warning, launch alert of the leading vehicle, cruise control, and high beams. Assist.
Aerodynamic exterior styling
The exterior design of the GR 86 looks like a classic retro sports car modernized with an aerodynamic touch.
Sports aerodynamics produce an excellent low drag coefficient for better performance. Functional exterior air vents have been added to the GR 86 to further support steering stability.
Driving on fast highways is a pleasure when you drive the GR86. It is compact, sporty, easy to maneuver, and very fast! The speed limit on the highway is the only reason not to keep stepping on the accelerator when driving this great classic remake. Sports car architecture, good comfort, and modern performance merge in the 2022 Toyota GR 86 Premium.
The dimensions of the new GR 86 are practically identical to those of the GT86, which allows the new model to maintain a low center of gravity and, therefore, unique agility.
Torsional rigidity has also been increased by approximately 50% compared to the GT86, for even more handling and overall response.
Toyota has developed functional aerodynamic components, such as front air vents, side panels, and more, from the model’s involvement in motorsports, helping the GR 86 achieve the most expected levels of driving feel and stability of its category.
The 2023 GR86’s new engine, a 2.4L naturally aspirated horizontally opposed flat-four, produces 228 hp and 156 to 184 lb-ft. of torque in the manual version.
More power is produced through increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S engine’s dual-injection technology.
The stellar GR86 is a Toyota brand race car that you can buy ready to race in the Fittipaldi-style high-speed GR Cup.
