New Toyota GR86 confirmed for Australia in late 2022
Toyota’s new-generation, rear-drive sports car won’t reach Australia for another 12 months, giving its Subaru twin a huge head start in showrooms.
The 2022 Toyota GR86 will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2022, its maker confirmed today – some 18 months after its global unveiling.
While a local launch in the coming months was initially expected, Toyota has confirmed its new-generation GR86 (formerly GR 86) sports car won’t reach showrooms until the second half of 2022 – following its Subaru BRZ twin due locally in January 2022.
Fans and buyers keen on getting an early look will be able to next month, with a pre-production GR86 to be on display at The Great Race Festival in Bathurst from 3 to 5 December 2021 – coinciding with the final round of the Australian manufacturer-run Toyota 86 spec series.
Revealed in April 2021, the new GR86 ushers in a new 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated boxer four-cylinder – paired to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions – now developing 173kW and 250Nm (in Japanese-market form) for a 6.3-second 0-100km/h dash.
Other highlights of the new model – which now wears Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) branding – include an increased use of aluminium, a reworked exterior design, upgraded cabin (with a 7.0-inch instrument display and 8.0-inch touchscreen), and the addition of active safety technology in automatic models.
Prices for Australia are yet to be confirmed, however dealers canvassed by Drive suggest a mild price increase compared to the outgoing model – potentially sliding the new GR86 in below the $35,000 before on-road costs mark.
“Bathurst is the spiritual home of Australian motorsport and as the third model in our growing GR brand performance car lineup, the GR86 is right at home on the racetrack,” said Toyota Australia sales and marketing boss Sean Hanley.
“Far more than simply an evolution of the 86, the new GR86 takes the lessons from our motorsport activities and uses them to deliver a thrilling and exciting drive experience – whether that’s competing on the track or enjoying a weekend away.
Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest on the 2022 Toyota GR86 as its Australian launch approaches in the second half of 2022 (possibly as a Model Year 2023 vehicle).
The post New Toyota GR86 confirmed for Australia in late 2022 appeared first on Drive.