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We’’ve pushed just a few Toyota GT 86’s in our day. Over time they appear to have improved and we actually loved driving them. This yr, Toyota launched the GR 86 in it’s place. Why GR as a substitute of GT? Most likely as a result of it’s improved in nearly each approach and it warranted some differentiation.
Whereas it’s clearly the identical automobile, the outside design has clearly been up to date. These updates embody a way more aggressive trying entrance fascia, swoopier rockers, and an aggressive ducktail spoiler enhance the seems to be, as do new wheels shod with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4’s that maintain the street superbly and break progressively.
The within nonetheless has a budget plasticky really feel that each one GT 86’s had however the controls format is improved, the seats are higher bolstered and extra supportive. The transmission – thanks, Toyota – was a 6-speed handbook gearbox (cue singing angels) and it had a superb mechanical really feel. The clutch was a little bit stronger and stiffer than the Miata we just lately drove, however it definitely wasn’t tough or uncomfortable to make use of. The whole lot concerning the automobile lends itself to onerous driving so a robust clutch and gearbox is crucial.
Climb in, begin the engine and the little Subaru engine eagerly begins and falls into a gradual idle. Seize first gear, let the clutch out, and the GR 86 rapidly pulls away. Lean on the throttle and the engine rapidly responds – the tach needle actually jumps across the gauge. The engine has quite a lot of pull down low and continues to drag onerous all the way in which to the 7500 rpm redline. A lot so that you just suspect there is likely to be a turbo hanging off the exhaust manifold (there isn’t). Oh, plan to shift earlier than redline although as a result of when the needle hits 7500 on the nostril, the limiter cuts the enjoyable. Certainly, if there’s one phrase that describes the GR 86, it’s “keen.” This little automobile desires to run each likelihood it will get and it desires to run onerous. There’s a “boy-racer” really feel to it however it’s no pretender – it’s a reliable sports activities automobile and it could be at dwelling at a observe day, on winding again roads, or clean freeway.
The rear-wheel drive format provides you full confidence and gives superior dynamics over much less FWD automobiles. The agency suspension retains the physique movement in verify. The springs and shocks really feel stiff however not brutally stiff. It positively feels sporting although. The brakes really feel nice, speaking precisely what’s happening, and so they cease the automobile rapidly and effectively again and again.
The GR 86 seems like extra of an entire and totally sorted package deal than any GT 86 now we have ever pushed. If you happen to’re searching for a comparatively cheap sports activities automobile that likes to run onerous and is a bit more aggressive and hard-core than Mazda’s MX-5 Miata, look no additional than the GR 86.
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