Specifications of Toyota GR 86 II GR 2.4 D-4S (235 HP)
General characteristics of Toyota GR 86 II GR 2.4 D-4S (235 HP)
In terms of its dimensions, the new GR 86 isn't that much different from its predecessor. It's 1.2 inches longer, the wheelbase has grown by 0.2 inches, and it's fractionally wider than before. It's not quite as tall as the previous-gen model, either. The new coupe is now 167.9 inches long, 69.9 inches wide, stands 51.6 inches tall, and has a 101.4-inch wheelbase. The lightest model is the base manual at 2,811 pounds, an increase of 35 lbs over the equivalent previous model. At the other end of the scale, the GR 86 now weighs 2,868 lbs in Premium trim when equipped with the automatic transmission.
The new GR 86 remains naturally aspirated so Toyota was almost compelled to increase the engine size to extract more performance. The 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, up from the previous 2.0 liter's disappointing 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. Those numbers tell only part of the story, however, since the new car develops peak torque at 3,700 rpm, way lower than its predecessor's 6,400 rpm. This means that mid-range power and overtaking are less of a chore than before, although you can still have your fun and spin the power plant to 7,000 rpm if you're in the mood. Toyota has fitted an exhaust system with a larger 5.6L center pipe capacity for a more engaging growl, though there's definitely some computer-enhanced noise coming from the speakers. Whether it's real or fake, the GR 86's engine sounds more sonorous than the outgoing 86, which buzzed along like a blender. If you'd like even more noise from the tailpipe, Toyota will sell a GR performance cat-back exhaust with stainless steel pipes and black chrome tips.
Gearbox options include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. Although the latter has paddle shifters and a Sport mode, the manual is the easy choice in a car that offers such a pure, unfiltered drive in other respects. The manual has been optimized to suit the greater torque output of the larger engine. It offers slick engagement with a short throw, though a GR quick shifter kit is available for an even more precise feeling. Toyota improved the transmission gate, making it easier to move diagonally from 2nd to 3rd or 4th to 5th; we didn't miss a single shift. As with the shifter, the clutch pedal is short with a light feel and low bite point, making the GR 86 easy to drive in traffic. We also sampled the automatic transmission, which does a valiant job offering quick downshifts when you mash the throttle in automatic mode. However, the transmission refused to downshift on cue when we called for them using the paddle shifters. It's a decent automatic, but this car is best enjoyed with the stick.
With the bigger engine, the new Toyota GR 86 is less efficient than its predecessor. In manual guise, the manufacturer claims that the GR 86 returns 19/26/21 mpg city/highway/combined; the 2020 Toyota 86 manual managed 21/28/24 mpg. In automatic guise, the new coupe's manufacturer-estimated figures are 20/30/24 mpg, worse than the 24/32/27 mpg in the previous car.
The gas tank can hold 13.2 gallons, which equates to an average range of around 277 miles for the manual and 316 miles for the automatic.
As with the previous 86, the GR 86 offers seating for two adult passengers with tiny rear seats available for children. Front legroom is generous at 41.5 inches, but the second row only offers 29.9 inches. 37 inches of headroom in the front feels acceptable, though the rear seat feels cramped with only 33.5 inches. If you have a taller occupant in the front seats, there's essentially no room for a passenger behind them. Think of the GR 86 as a 2+2 (like a Porsche 911) with a folding rear seat that's perfect for a small pet or a set of track tires.
The GR 86's new trunk offers 6.26 cubic feet of space, a bit less than the previous car's trunk which measured 6.9 cubic feet. By folding down the rear seat - it folds forward in a single piece - you can maximize cargo volume and fit a set of track tires. The trunk opening is quite small, and a good portion is taken up by the available subwoofer, which can be removed for track use. Once again, this is a more practical sports car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but less than a hot hatchback.
Small-item storage is a reminder that the Toyota doesn't offer anything approaching the practicality of a sedan or a crossover, though. The tiny door pockets are more of a space for a bottle holder - it has good depth but no length whatsoever, so storage is limited. In the center console, there is a single, square storage space that is rather small, and below the central armrest are two cupholders. Automatic cars have an extra open storage area in the center console.
