The Driver’s Companion: Tracing the Evolution of the Toyota GR 86

In an automotive era increasingly defined by electrification, autonomous driving, and crossover utility vehicles, the existence of a car like the Toyota GR 86 feels like a delightful anachronism. It is a machine built not for outright speed or practical commuting, but for the pure, unadulterated joy of driving. A lightweight, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a manual transmission and an affordable price tag, the GR 86 is a direct link to a purist formula that many feared was extinct. Its story, however, is not one of sudden invention but of careful evolution, a decade-long journey of refinement that began under a different name and culminated in the enthusiast-focused icon it is today. This is the evolution of the Toyota GR 86.

The Genesis: The “86” Project and a Spiritual Successor

To understand the GR 86, one must first look back to the late 2000s. Toyota, then known for its reliable but unexciting lineup of Camrys and Corollas, was facing an identity crisis. Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder and a passionate racing driver himself, took the helm as president in 2009 and famously declared, “If it’s not fun to drive, it’s not a car.” He sought to inject “waku-doki”—a Japanese phrase for heart-pumping excitement—back into the brand.

The first step was to revive the spirit of a cult classic: the 1980s AE86 Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno. The AE86 was not powerful, but its light weight, rear-wheel-drive balance, and rev-happy engine made it a hero in drifting and grassroots motorsport. The mission for the new project, codenamed “086A,” was clear: create a modern AE86.

Realizing the immense cost of developing a niche sports car from scratch, Toyota partnered with Subaru. The collaboration was a perfect match. Subaru brought its expertise in boxer engines, whose flat configuration allowed for an exceptionally low center of gravity—a key goal for the project. Toyota contributed its D-4S direct and port fuel injection technology to optimize the engine’s power and efficiency. The result of this joint venture was a shared platform that would spawn two cars: the Subaru BRZ and, for the North American market, the Scion FR-S.

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First Generation, Part I: The Scion FR-S (2013-2016)

The first iteration of the car to hit North American shores arrived for the 2013 model year, badged as the Scion FR-S. Globally, it was known as the Toyota GT86 or simply the 86. Scion, Toyota’s youth-oriented brand, was chosen to market the car to a younger, enthusiast demographic.

Years Produced: 2012-2016 (for 2013-2016 model years)

Engine and Performance: At its heart was the Subaru-derived 2.0-liter FA20 flat-four boxer engine. It produced a respectable 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The car was celebrated for its telepathic steering, sublime chassis balance, and playful handling, encouraging drivers to explore its limits at sensible speeds. However, it was also widely criticized for a noticeable “torque dip” in the mid-range of its powerband, which made the engine feel breathless between 3,500 and 5,000 RPM.

Models and Trim Levels: The Scion FR-S followed a “monospec” philosophy, offering a single, well-equipped trim level to simplify purchasing. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip differential, sport seats, and a basic Pioneer touchscreen audio system. The main choices for buyers were transmission and color.

Over its lifespan, Scion released a few special editions to maintain interest:

• Release Series 1.0 (2015): Limited to 1,500 units, it featured bright Yuzu yellow paint, a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) body kit, TRD lowering springs, a TRD quad-tip exhaust, and a uniquely numbered interior plaque.
• Release Series 2.0 (2016): Limited to 1,000 units, this was a more luxury-oriented model with Lunar Storm paint, 17-inch forged alloy wheels, a camel and black Alcantara and leather interior, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

First Generation, Part II: The Toyota 86 (2017-2020)

In 2016, Toyota announced the discontinuation of the Scion brand. Rather than let the FR-S die with it, the car was brought under the parent brand and rebadged as the Toyota 86 for the 2017 model year, aligning its name with the global market. This transition coincided with a significant mid-cycle refresh.

Years Produced: 2016-2020 (for 2017-2020 model years)

The 2017 Refresh: The updated Toyota 86 featured more aggressive styling with a wider grille, new LED headlights and taillights, and a revised rear bumper. The interior received higher-quality materials, a new steering wheel with audio controls, and a “Grandlux” suede-like material on the dash and door panels.

Crucially, performance was tweaked. Models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission received a minor power bump to 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, thanks to revised intake and exhaust manifolds and a more aggressive final drive ratio (4.30:1 vs. 4.10:1), which improved acceleration. The car’s suspension was also retuned with revised spring rates and dampers for better compliance and sharper handling. The infamous torque dip, however, remained.

Models and Trim Levels: With the move to Toyota, the trim structure expanded, offering more choice to buyers.

• Base 86: This model carried over the essential features from the Scion FR-S, including 17-inch wheels and cloth seats, but with the updated styling and interior.
• 86 GT: This higher trim level added features like a rear spoiler, LED fog lights, heated leather-bolstered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a push-button start system.
• 86 GT Black: A sub-trim of the GT, this primarily offered contrasting black mirrors and spoiler.

Toyota also continued the tradition of special editions:

• 860 Special Edition (2017): Limited to 860 units each in Supernova Orange and Halo White. It came with black body stripes, a unique rear spoiler, heated black leather seats with orange stitching, and push-button start.
• TRD Special Edition (2019): Limited to 1,418 units, this was the most performance-focused first-generation model. It came exclusively in Raven Black paint and was equipped with Sachs dampers, larger Brembo brakes, and unique 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

The Rebirth: The Second Generation Toyota GR 86 (2022-Present)

After a brief hiatus for the 2021 model year, the car returned completely redesigned and with a new name: the Toyota GR 86. The “GR” designation signifies Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s global motorsport and performance division. This wasn’t merely a marketing ploy; Gazoo Racing’s direct involvement ensured the second generation would address its predecessor’s biggest weakness while honing its greatest strengths.

Years Produced: 2021-Present (for 2022-Present model years)

Engine and Performance: The most significant upgrade was under the hood. The engine was bored out to 2.4 liters (the FA24), resulting in a substantial increase in power. The new figures were 228 horsepower and, more importantly, 184 lb-ft of torque. The peak torque now arrived much earlier, at just 3,700 RPM. This single change transformed the car’s character, completely eliminating the first generation’s frustrating torque dip and providing strong, linear acceleration throughout the rev range. The 0-60 mph time dropped by over a second.

Chassis and Design: While based on the same core platform, the chassis was heavily reinforced, boasting a 50% increase in torsional rigidity. This stiffer frame allowed for a more finely tuned suspension, improving both grip and stability. The use of aluminum for the roof, front fenders, and hood helped keep the center of gravity low and the curb weight nearly unchanged. The exterior design became more muscular and aerodynamically functional, with vents behind the front wheels to channel air and reduce turbulence. The interior was modernized with a configurable digital instrument cluster and a larger, more responsive infotainment screen, yet it retained its driver-centric layout.

Models and Trim Levels: The GR 86 launched in North America with two distinct trim levels.

• GR 86 (Base): The entry-level model is far from spartan, equipped with a Torsen limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels with Michelin Primacy HP tires, and the full 228-hp engine.
• GR 86 Premium: The premium trim adds significant upgrades, including 18-inch wheels with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a signature duckbill rear spoiler, heated front seats with Ultrasuede and leather trim, an eight-speaker audio system (up from six), and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Following the launch, Toyota introduced more exclusive models:

• 2023 Special Edition: Limited to 860 units, this model was finished in an exclusive Solar Shift orange paint with black graphics and a GR cat-back performance exhaust with black chrome tips.
• 2024 TRUENO Edition: A direct homage to the original AE86, this model is limited to 860 units and available in Halo white or Track bRed, both with a black-wrapped hood and side graphics reminiscent of the iconic “panda” Trueno. More importantly, it debuts a performance package—Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes—that later became available as an option on other 2024 GR 86 models.

Conclusion: A Philosophy Perfected

The evolution from the Scion FR-S to the Toyota GR 86 is a masterclass in listening to your audience. The initial car was a brilliant concept with a flawed heart. Toyota and Subaru took the enthusiast community’s feedback to heart, retaining the car’s beloved handling characteristics while systemically addressing its biggest shortcoming. The mid-cycle refresh of the Toyota 86 was a step in the right direction, but the second-generation GR 86 was the destination.

Today, the Toyota GR 86 stands as a benchmark for affordable, engaging performance. It has matured from a promising upstart into a fully realized sports car, proving that the simple formula of light weight, rear-wheel drive, and driver feedback is not only relevant but essential. In its journey, the car has not only carried the torch of its AE86 spiritual ancestor but has also forged its own legendary path, securing its place as a modern classic and a true driver’s companion.