Special Edition GR86 on the Way With Changes Across the Range

Toyota is giving their GR86 some tasty upgrades due for late 2024, none of which increase power. Just as with the previous generation, little incremental tweaks bring subtle enhancements.

Late 2024 also sees a Limited Edition GR86 of 86 units to bring a stand-out feature to a car that feels ubiquitous, but isn’t.

The limited edition comes in “Forest Shadow” and has styling tweaks and upgraded suspension and brake package as standard.

Elsewhere in the GR86 range, dampers, electric power steering, and engine and throttle control are retuned to make the little coupé even livelier.

GR86/Subaru BRZ have been favourites since their release over a decade ago. The new generation sensibly kept to the same formula that follows on from famous sports cars of the past. Rear-wheel-drive and 50-50 weight distribution give GR86 (and sister car BRZ) a drive that we can only describe as beautiful. It is joyous, maintaining the analogue feel absent in most other brands is a stroke of masterly genius.

GR86 still has some of the driver and safety aids we demand, but none interfere with the drive experience. There is still a market for a real driver’s car.

ABOVE: 2024 GR86 Limited Edition

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the upgraded GR86 builds upon the performance of the current model offering customers an even more dynamic, affordable sports car.

“Since launching the new GR86 in 2022, it has proven a popular choice for those enthusiast drivers looking for affordable performance with plenty of street presence and style,” Mr Hanley said.

“This fine tuning raises the bar even further with improved dynamic performance for those who wish to truly push the limits in track days and motorsport activities.

“For those looking for an even more exclusive GR86, the new Limited Edition is a standout with its exclusive exterior colour, wheels and interior trim and high-performance suspension and brake package,” he said.

While always known for a fabulous sense of road feel, the latest changes promise an even better sense of contact with the ground. The electric power steering will be even more direct.

Manual models get engine torque and throttle control changes.

Automatic GR86 models have engine-speed tolerance range during downshifting that has been expanded.

While providing no extra power, the new Limited Edition, based on the top-of-the-range GR86 GTS, includes the Dynamic Performance Pack with ZF Sachs sports dampers and Brembo brakes.

ZF Sachs dampers improve handling in sports driving situations, and the red-painted Brembo four-piston calipers on the front and two-piston calipers on the rear, replace the standard GTS’ two-piston front/single-piston rear setup.

So that punters know you’ve spent extra shekels, GR86 Limited Edition comes in an exclusive new Forest Shadow green colour and unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels.

The cabin colours are switched up a bit. The black and tan Ultrasuede is complimented by leather-accents. It makes a change from the black on black with a touch of red.

As previously, GR86 still has the same 174kW/250Nm 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, sports-tuned chassis, and a limited-slip Torsen rear diff. The rear-wheel-drive coupé still has a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. An extra few cogs on the auto would be welcome, but like the power figures, remain stubbornly stable.

Toyota will release pricing closer to launch in late 2024.

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