Check out the Toyota GR86 Special Edition, limited to 860 examples in the US

MANILA: Toyota USA is celebrating the pure fun of sports car driving with a 860 unit-limited GR86 for 2023.

Built on the GR86 Premium grade, the 2023 GR86 Special Edition will make visual impression with its Solar Shift orange paint color. A GR cat-back performance exhaust system with stainless steel pipes, black chrome tips and debossed GR logo ensures that the GR86 Special Edition will leave a signature sound. 

GR matte-black 18-inch wheels with black center caps and black lug nuts wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a black GR C-pillar graphic and Ultrasuede/leather trimmed interior with GR special edition badge accent the Solar Shift color. 

The 2023 GR86 is powered by a new 2.4-liter engine that yields nearly 11% more horsepower and 18% more torque than the first-gen model’s two-liter, Toyota said. The 2.4-liter engine delivers 228hp (up from 205) and 184lb.-ft. of torque (up from 156). Crucially, the new engine is tuned so peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband, at 3,700rpm  versus 6,600rpm before. The result is a more responsive and powerful driving experience. 

The GR86 Special Edition adds a third choice to the GR86’s two-grade lineup consisting of base and Premium. 

In terms of equipment, the GR86 Premium grade is upgraded to an eight-speaker audio system with an amplifier and features aluminum sport pedals and footrest. For those who want even more bass, a dealer or factory-installed 10-inch, 200W subwoofer is available for base and Premium grades.

While the Solar Shift paint is restricted to the 2023 GR86 Special Edition, the other models offer a palette of seven dynamic colors: Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black, Neptune and Trueno Blue. 

For the second-gen GR86, the GR engineering team made the chassis and body stiffer to complement the increased engine performance. More extensive use of aluminum in the GR86's hood, front fender, roof, and body kept weight to just a few pounds over the prior-gen model, even with the new car’s added power, safety and comfort features.

The 2023 GR86 Special Edition also benefits from the GR86’s low weight, low center of gravity, and balanced weight distribution at 53% at the front and 47% at the rear. The 2023 GR86 weighs in at just around 1,270 to 1,300 kilograms with the manual transmission and automatic.

Other examples of weight-saving measures include a resin fuel-filler door, new lightweight front seat frames, redesigned electric power-steering and changes to the driveline and engine block.

Driving purists will love the GR86’s six-speed manual transmission. A carbon synchronizer improves shifts into fourth gear. The transmission uses low-viscosity oil and bearings for smooth shifting operability with the higher torque output of the 2.4-liter boxer engine.

For the six-speed automatic, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes provide driving fun.  When in Sport mode, the transmission senses brake and accelerator operation and vehicle behavior to automatically select the optimal gear, bringing drivers the control they want. Additional clutch discs and a new high-capacity torque converter allow for smooth delivery of the 2.4-liter engine’s higher power and torque.

With either transmission, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering.

In the US, every purchase of the 2023 GR86 and GR86 Special Edition comes with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). GR86 owners will enjoy a host of benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events. 

Photos from Toyota

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