86 examples of special GR86 announced

TOYOTA has announced details of a limited edition GR86 due in Australian showrooms towards the end of this year.

The model sports what Toyota Australia says is a raft of tuning enhancements, the Limited Edition variant featuring a unique Forest Shadow finish, subtle styling tweaks, and upgraded suspension and brakes.

The Limited Edition is based upon the flagship GR86 GTS and adds features including ZF Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.

Toyota says the dampers offer more linear damping characteristics when compared with the standard units, providing greater comfort in everyday driving and agile handling in sports driving scenarios.

The Brembo brakes, meanwhile, see red-painted four-piston callipers fitted up front and two-piston clamps at the rear – replacing the GTS’ two-piston/single-piston setup.

Other changes include unique 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels, and black-over-tan Ultrasuede and leather accented upholstery.

While it has not announced pricing, Toyota Australia says just 86 examples of the variant will be offered to local customers, making the model a likely sell-out, even before it is released.

Modifications to the wider GR86 range are expected at the same time the ‘LE’ arrives, with retuned dampers, electric power steering, engine and throttle control said to offer the sporting model “greater response and feel – especially for track days and motorsport activities”.

Further, manual versions of the Toyota GR86 will benefit from an increase in torque and unspecified throttle control changes the importer says will provide “more direct responsiveness to accelerator pedal input”.

Similar changes are noted for automatic variants, with the engine-speed tolerance range for downshifting expanded alongside a wider torque band.

All Toyota GR86 variants remain powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions are available, as is a Torsen-style limited slip (rear) differential.

The current Toyota GR86 line-up is priced from $43,240 through to $45,390 plus on-road costs.

“Since launching the new GR86 in 2022, it has proven a popular choice for those enthusiast drivers looking for affordable performance with plenty of street presence and style,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations Sean Hanley.

“This fine tuning raises the bar even further with improved dynamic performance for those who wish to truly push the limits in track days and motorsport activities.

“For those looking for an even more exclusive GR86, the new Limited Edition is a standout with its exclusive exterior colour, wheels and interior trim and high-performance suspension and brake package.”

Mr Hanley said more information and pricing on both the MY25 GR86 and Limitied Edition will be provided closer to launch in late 2024.