Taking inspiration from the brand’s iconic ’80s-era AE86, Toyota’s current GR86 is a commuter-friendly true driver’s car that offers solid performance in an affordable and fairly practical package. And after releasing the second generation of the car for 2022, Toyota has now announced an even sportier variant with the new GR86 Special Edition.
Draped in an edition-exclusive Solar Shift orange paint job, this version of the GR86 boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that sends 228hp and 184ft-lbs of torque to the vehicle’s rear wheels. The interior of the car features six-way adjustable black GR-embossed fabric seats with sport fabric side bolsters, textured vinyl and sport fabric trim on the dash and doors, an upgraded eight-speaker audio system with an amplifier and an optional 10” 200-watt subwoofer, an 8” touchscreen multimedia system, sports pedals and foot rests, and a leather-wrapped small-diameter steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake handle.
Sport-tuned independent MacPherson front struts and a double wishbone-type multi-link rear suspension setup keep the car firmly planted and offer razor-sharp cornering while power-assisted brakes provide excellent stopping power. The model is also sold with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or a six-speed manual gearbox. Other details include a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, multiple drive modes (including Sport, Snow, and Track settings), GR matte-black 18” 10-spoke machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a color-matched rear duckbill spoiler, a black GR C-pillar graphic, and a GR cat-back performance exhaust system with stainless steel pipes, black chrome tips, and debossed GR logo.
While the marque has yet to reveal pricing and final specs, we do know that the 2023 Toyota GR86 Special Edition will be limited to only 860 units worldwide. Further information on the special edition variant is expected to trickle out over the coming months. The purchase of one of these special-edition models also includes a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, as well as one free High-Performance Driving Event and discounted admission to other Association-sanctioned events.
