Toyota bumped up the horsepower on its second-generation GR86 in 2022, bringing it from 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque to a healthier 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. To keep the momentum going for 2023, the Japanese carmaker has now created a special edition of the GR86 wearing new paint, a new spoiler, new wheels and more.
The two-seat 2023 Toyota GR86 SE will wear an exclusive coat of orange paint called Solar Shift. Additionally, it features black c-pillar racing stripes, forged 18-inch black wheels and will be limited to just 860 examples.
The Toyota GR86, a joint venture with Subaru and its BRZ, originally went on sale in 2011 branded as the Scion FR-S. When the Scion brand was axed it became known as the 86, a nod to its sports car past and the rear-drive AE86 from the 1980s. When the second generation was introduced, it became the GR86 of today.
The 2.4-liter engine that replaced the 2.0-liter last year brought 11 percent more horsepower and is tuned so peak torque of 184 pound-feet arrives at 3,700 rpm. The previous model didn't hit its max until 6,600 rpm, making this car way more responsive from slow speeds.
That engine is good for a zero to 60 sprint to 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual and 6.6 seconds with the six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel economy comes in at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway with the manual. The automatic transmission is better, returning 21 mpg in the and 31 on the highway.
In addition to the special model, the GR86 gets two trims for 2023. The base model rides on 17-inch wheels with 10 spokes and Michelin Primacy tires. Inside it gets six-way adjustable cloth seats, textured vinyl and sport fabric on the dash and doors, dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.
The GR86 Premium gets 18-inch wheels with higher performance Pilot Sport 4 tires. It too gets a duckbill spoiler sweeping up from the trunk. Inside buyers get heated seats covered in UltraSuede with leather side bolsters. Black and silver accent the cabin with an upgraded 8-speaker radio. A 10-inch subwoofer is optional.
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and three months of satellite radio are standard. The GR86 has one auxiliary audio connection and two USB ports.
A 7-inch driver displays shows speed and revs and varies when the drive mode is switched from Normal to Sport to Snow and Track (Track mode is only available with the manual transmission). When that mode is picked, the display shows a tachometer in the middle along with water and oil temperatures.
Non-SE models are available in seven colors including Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black, Neptune and Trueno Blue.
The 2023 GR86 keeps its 53/47 front/rear weight balance and only tips the scales at 2,811 pounds with the manual transmission. The automatic transmission adds another 40 pounds. It kept the weight down an ounce at a time with a resin fuel-filler door, lightweight front seat frames, redesigned power steering system, as well as changes to the driveline and engine block.
The GR86 automatic transmission model comes standard with safety features including Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and High Beam Assist.
Toyota didn't announce a price for the 2023 GR86, but the previous model started at $27,700. The new price should stick close to that.
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