GAZOO Racing has unveiled a partially upgraded GR86, with Toyota dealers across Japan set to begin accepting customer orders on August 28.
Carrying forward the legacy of the Toyota 86, which debuted in 2012, the GR86 has built a loyal following across age groups for its nimble handling and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive character. Since launching in 2021, roughly 110,000 units have been delivered worldwide, making it the best-selling model in GR’s exclusive lineup.
The updated GR86 brings back the well-received “Solid Gray” exterior color, previously offered on the Toyota 86 for about six months starting in 2017, alongside interior updates on the RZ trim.
Professional race drivers, in-house evaluation drivers and engineers worked together on extensive circuit and test-course sessions to fine-tune throttle response, electric power steering and shift feel, while the latest safety technology rounds out the changes.
Interior Updates on the RZ Trim
For the RZ trim, redesigned switches with improved grip and a low-reflectivity cast iron black finish aim to lift cockpit quality while keeping the driver’s focus on the road. The optional black-and-red interior scheme now wraps the driver in red accents evoking the late-model Toyota 86.
Sharper Handling for a Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports Car
Refined driving dynamics strengthen the GR86’s core appeal of intuitive, instinctive handling. Adjusted throttle control settings improve acceleration precision when exiting corners or driving on low-friction surfaces like wet or snow-covered roads, preserving a direct, linear connection between pedal input and acceleration.
Electric power steering has been revised using lessons from the GR86’s Super Taikyu Series racing program, eliminating wobble in high-speed corners and on rough surfaces for more precise line-tracing. On manual transmission models, the shift interlock chamfer has been widened by 0.5mm to smooth downshifts from fifth to fourth gear, supporting a cleaner transition from deceleration into corner entry.
A Broader Field of View for Safety Systems
The EyeSight driver-assist system now uses a triple-camera setup, up from two cameras previously. Combining wide-angle stereo cameras with an ultra-wide-angle monocular camera, the system is tailored to the sports car’s low stance and offers a wider field of view to support safe driving across more situations.
Automatic Transmission Joins the Cup Car Lineup
The GR86 Cup Car Basic, used in the GR86/BRZ Cup one-make race series alongside the Subaru BRZ, now offers an automatic transmission option, giving racers a choice suited to their preferences and broadening the appeal of the series.
On Display in Nagoya and at Fuji Speedway
The updated GR86 in Solid Gray is on display through September 7 at the Toyota Motor Corporation showroom in Midland Square, Nagoya. The same car will also appear at the “FUJI 86/BRZ STYLE 2026” event at Fuji Speedway on September 12, where GR plans a range of 86-related activities including merchandise displays, drifting demonstrations and test drives.
GR86 Pricing
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices, including consumption tax, start at 3,616,000 yen for the RZ with automatic transmission and 3,518,000 yen with manual. The SZ trim runs from 3,293,000 yen (automatic) to 3,195,000 yen (manual), while the RC trim is available only with manual transmission at 2,936,000 yen.