2022 Toyota 86 powers up! New Subaru BRZ twin revealed with larger engine, manual option, unique design, stiffer body and GR branding

The second-generation Toyota 86 is finally here, with the new sports car following in the tyre tracks of its Subaru BRZ twin, which was revealed nearly five months ago.

While Subaru has confirmed the BRZ will launch in Australia late this year, Toyota is yet to confirm exactly when the 86 will enter local showrooms, although expect it to do so in the same timeframe or early 2022.

Either way, the similarities between the 86 and BRZ run deep, just like before, although they are differentiated by their front fascias, with the former getting a squarer grille with a mesh insert as well as more upright side air intakes.

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Inside, the Japanese-market 86 shown here also appears to have a larger central touchscreen than the US-market BRZ seen previously, although which version/s we get in Australia remain to be seen.

Look a little closer, though, and you’ll notice the 86 stands out from the crowd with its ‘GR’ badging. Yep, it’s now officially known as the GR 86, with it becoming part of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance sub-brand alongside the GR Supra coupe and GR Yaris hot hatch.

2022 Toyota GR 86

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2022 Toyota GR 86

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Despite the suggestive name change, the GR 86 is still on the same level as the BRZ when it comes to performance, with it also powered by a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder petrol engine that has a 7400rpm redline.

Indeed, there’s no turbocharger in sight, although the Japanese version of the unit punches out 173kW of power at 7000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 3700rpm, making it 21kW/38Nm or 26kW/45Nm more potent than its smaller, 2.0-litre predecessor.

Why the difference? Well, the six-speed manual used to have greater outputs than the six-speed torque-converter automatic, but now both transmission options come with the same tune. And yes, drive is still sent to the rear wheels.

This combination helps the GR 86 sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds, making it 1.1s quicker than the first-generation model, although it’s not yet clear which transmission option that claim pertains to.

What is for sure, though, is the six-speed torque-converter automatic will come with more advanced driver-assist systems, with the six-speed manual set to miss out on some of the active safety features, although specifics are yet to be divulged.

While the GR 86 and BRZ use the same platform as their forebears, it has been revised, with torsional rigidity improved by about 50 per cent, while the centre of gravity has been lowered via the fitment of an aluminium roof and fenders as well as a redesigned muffler.

The suspension set-up continues to consist of MacPherson-strut front and double-wishbone rear axles, while the brake discs are ventilated on all four corners, with them tucked behind 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/40 tyres.

For reference, the GR 86 measures 4265mm long (with a 2575mm wheelbase), 1775mm wide and 1310mm tall, making it similar in size to what came before, with the six-speed manual version having a kerb weight of 1270kg.

Stayed tuned for more details on the GR 86 as they come to hand, with pricing and full specification details to be confirmed closer to its launch. For reference, the original is currently priced from $32,180 to $39,680 plus on-road costs.