2021 Toyota GR86 set to make its US debut next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The new version of the Subaru BRZ twin, the Toyota GR86 made its world premiere last month, which is now ready to land on the US shores. For the reveal of the rear-wheel-drive coupe, Toyota is holding an event in Texas on June 2, 2021, and before that, it dropped a few teaser shots of the sports car.

Over the previous-gen 86, the new iteration carries many improvements, chief among them is a larger-displacement flat-four 2.4-litre mill which delivers a maximum power of 232 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm. Well, the reports suggest that the US-spec GR86 will be rated at 228 horsepower just like the US-spec BRZ. On the transmission front, the car has a six-speed manual transmission as standard, along with an optional six-speed automatic.

The teaser also revealed the performance numbers of the car and according to that, the upgraded engine allows it to hit the century sprint in 6.1 seconds.

Dimensionally, the new car measures the same i.e. 4,265 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, 1,310 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,575 mm. Although it is 50 kg heavier than the predecessor. Fitted with new sporty Michelin Pilot 4S tyres, the 2021 Toyota GR86 gets an upgraded chassis resulting in better torsional rigidity and the body shell’s stiffness. Also new are the aluminum roof and body panels. As for suspension, it carries a MacPherson strut at the front and a double-wishbone setup at the back.

Inside the cabin, the US-spec model is likely to borrow tech from the BRZ sister model, including a seven-inch digital driver's display, an eight-inch infotainment system, and an EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The last one includes pre-collision safety tech, emergency rescue, and collision avoidance support in case of an accident. However, new seat upholstery and GR badging on the steering wheel will be there for differentiating the models.

As far as the GR86 price is concerned, the automaker has not yet made any official statement, however, the expectations hover around $31,000 (RM 128,326).

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