The Toyota GR86 A Cult Classic Reborn

The Toyota 86: A Cult Classic Reborn

I've been enamored with the "Eight-Six" Hachiroku since the Mac Daddy's launch in the late 80s. The Treuno (liftback) and Levin (sedan) are stalwarts in the JDM scene, boasting die-hard cult followings. The recipe for this platform's success was simple: take an everyday Japanese econobox, add rear-wheel drive, a high-revving 4-cylinder, and a compliant suspension, and you have a superstar.

The original 86 put Japan on the map, offering a practical car that could embarrass performance vehicles when the mood struck. When Toyota relaunched the nameplate in 2013, it was a highly anticipated vehicle, first teased as the FT86 concept at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The design was breathtaking, and the coupe stance was the stuff of dreams.

Although concept cars rarely translate to production units, the 86 Hi-Spec with TRD kit came remarkably close. However, the body wrote checks the engine couldn't cash. Toyota needed an engine with a low center of gravity to prioritize handling. Developing a new engine from scratch wasn't economically viable, leading to a partnership with Subaru.

Subaru provided the 2.0-liter flat-4 boxer unit, dubbed the FA20, producing 147 kW and 205 Nm of torque. While it revved high and made the right noises, power delivery was lethargic, only producing power and torque at high RPM. Although fun to drive, the 86 was sluggish and underpowered in the real world.

I had low expectations for the 2023 GR86, thinking Toyota needed to adopt forced induction, as seen in the GR Yaris. Instead, they utilized Subaru's FA24, a 2.4-liter boxer unit. This seemed like a recipe for disaster, as the old 86 was nearly perfect apart from needing extra power.

However, the new GR86 is an absolute peach. It's transformed into a brilliant driver's car, with the FA24 working well alongside tweaked software and redesigned inlet manifold runners. Torque is now available from as low as 1800 RPM, making the car extremely lively. It's a full second faster to 100 km/h than its predecessor, making a world of difference.

Handling remains brilliant, but the price is the only disappointment. While the old 86 started at R298,000 in 2013, the new GR86 begins at R763,000 – a staggering 100% increase. Hats off to Toyota; this is a masterpiece, the ultimate driver's tool. Unfortunately, at this price, it's no longer an affordable option for embarrassing the Joneses, as only they can afford it.