What's the difference?
The new, second generation take on the hachi-roku formula adds a serious amount of 'GRRRR' to the mix. This is it - the new-look, more powerful and much angrier Toyota GR86.
It takes the familiar front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car formula and mixes in a bit of madness - there’s a more focused chassis setup, redone steering, a firmer ride and of course, a bigger capacity engine. Still no turbo, though.
The question is - does it improve on the original? And can it live up to its new jaw-dropping price?
I think auto journalists are supposed to see vehicles a bit like parents see their children. You know, view them all as equals. No favourites. That kind of thing.
But I'm going to let you in on a tiny little secret, just between us. I liked this potent M2 before I even sat in it. And I like it just a little bit more than I love other bite-sized performance cars.
In fact, I like it more than I like bigger, more powerful, and more expensive models in the BMW M family.
If you’re expecting a faster, angrier and more focused version of the original 86, you’re going to be happy with this car. If you’re expecting it to be as fun and chuckable as the first one, you might be upset.
It has a different character, this GR86 - certainly with more GRRRR than ever before - and it still represents a strong sports car option for buyers, even if it is a fair bit more expensive this time around. It'd be hard not to recommend the GTS version to anyone considering it.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
Proving good things still come in small packages, the pint-sized M2 remains my pick of the BMW M range. It's not the perfect daily drive, but I reckon the fun outweighs the foibles.