New coupe ”true to fun character of GT86 predecessor’
Light weight, low centre of gravity, agile handling
Third model in Toyota’s line-up of global GR sport cars
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – An all-new Toyota GR 86 made its world debut in early April 2021 via an online event hosted by Toyota Gazoo Racing and Subaru Corporation.
Toyota’s newest sport car will be the third model in its global GR portfolio, joining the GR Supra and GR Yaris and, the automaker says, has inherited the essential fun-to-drive characteristics of the original GT86, launched in 2012 but eventually generating more than 200 000 sales globally.
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The new model is expected to be the lightest four-seater coupe in its class, thanks to weight-saving initiatives such as aluminium roof and body panels. It will be powered by a new, lightweight, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder engine.
An increase in displacement to 2.4-litres brings a step up in performance from the two-litre unit in the GT86. Preliminary power figures are quoted as 173kW/250Nm (pending SA market confirmation).
GREATER RIGIDITY
The car’s dimensions are almost identical to its predecessor so it should maintain a low centre of gravity for agile handling. Torsional rigidity has been increased by around 50% to deliver even sharper handling and steering
The GT86’s experience in motorsport competition has helped the development of functioning aerodynamic components such as the front air ducts and side rocker panels which are expected to help achieve best-in-class handling and stability.
The GR 86 will have its South African debut during the early months of 2022.
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