Just as with the GT86, the horizontally opposed “boxer” engine is a defining element of the new GR86, the heart of its performance and a key contributor to its low centre of gravity. The 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder unit uses the same cylinder block as before, but displacement has been increased from 1,998 to 2,387 cc. This has been achieved by increasing the bore diameter, from 86 to 94mm.

Retaining the same high, 12.5:1 compression ratio, the engine delivers more power: maximum output has risen by around 17 per cent from 197bhp/147kW to 231bhp/172kW at 7,000rpm. As a result, the 0-62mph acceleration time has been cut by more than a second, to 6.3 seconds (6.9 seconds automatic). GR86’s maximum speed is 140mph with manual transmission, 134mph for the automatic.

Torque has also been increased, with performance tuned so that the peak 250Nm is delivered earlier – at 3,700rpm compared to 205Nm at 6,400-6,600rpm in the GT86. This helps deliver smooth, powerful acceleration up to high engine speeds, giving rewarding performance, particularly when accelerating out of a bend. Torque output is the same with both manual and automatic transmission.

Detailed changes have been made to reduce the engine’s weight and ensure performance appropriate for the engine’s higher output. These include thinner cylinder liners, optimisation of the water jacket and a switch from aluminium to a resin material for the rocker cover – which also reduces vibration. The connecting rods have been made stronger and the shape of the con-rod bearing and the combustion chamber have been optimised.

The D-4S fuel injection, which uses both direct and port injection, has been retuned for quicker response to the driver’s throttle inputs. The direct injection has a cooling effect in the cylinders, which supports using a high compression ratio; port injection operates under light and medium engine loads, maximising efficiency.

The engine’s breathing has also been improved with changes to the diameter and length of the intake manifold port, contributing to more linear torque delivery and acceleration. The air intake has been redesigned to optimise air flow. Further benefits are gained from a new fuel pump design, to ensure consistent flow when cornering, and a smaller high-speed water pump designed for performance at high speeds, with a better flow rate and reliability. A new water-cooled oil cooler has been added, while a thicker radiator structure has air guides to increase the amount of cooling air taken in.

In the exhaust system there is a new 5.6-litre centre pipe which generates a satisfying “growl” under acceleration, augmented by an Active Sound Control system that transmits the sound of the engine to the cabin.

To combat noise and vibration, GR86 has new aluminium, liquid-filled engine mounts and a revised, stiffer oil pan structure with a new cross-rib shape.

Transmissions

The six-speed manual and automatic transmissions in GR86 have both been revised in line with the engine’s increased power and torque and to play their part in the car’s essential fun-to-drive quality.

The manual system benefits from a new carbon synchroniser that makes for easier shifting into fourth gear. Using a new low-viscosity oil and new bearings ensures shift smoothness is maintained with the higher engine output. To fully exploit the car’s performance potential, the driver can switch to Track mode, or switch off the Vehicle Stability Control. The shift lever has been redesigned for a short stroke and snug fit in the driver’s hand.

The automatic transmission features paddle controls for the driver to take manual control of gear shifts. In Sport mode, the transmission automatically selects the optimum gear in line with the driver’s use of the brake and throttle and the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour. To ensure smooth harnessing of the engine’s higher power, additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter have been introduced.

CHASSIS AND HANDLING

Lightweight, high-rigidity chassis

Superb handling was a defining hallmark of the GT86. With GR86 Toyota wanted to deliver the thrill of a car that moves exactly how the driver wants it to.

To ensure the engine’s extra power translates into rewarding handling and responsiveness, the chassis and body have been reworked with the use of light but high-strength materials to provide extra rigidity while reducing weight, and the addition of reinforcements in key areas.

At the front, diagonal cross-members have been added to the joints between the suspension and car’s frame, improving load transmission from the front tyres and reducing lateral bending. High-strength fasteners have been introduced to connect the frame and the suspension mounts and the bonnet has a new internal diagonal frame, in place of the previous honeycomb design.

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