MANILA: Despite rainy weather, Toyota Motor Philippines and Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines unveiled the much-awaited Toyota GR86 at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival 2022 held at the Clark International Speedway on July 21.

The car that marked the revival of Toyota's sportscar lineage will now provide drivers with even more agility, style, and driving responsiveness. Toyota Gazoo Racing brings improved handling and exterior aerodynamics, increased power, and an upgraded interior to the second generation of the 86. The changes and updates earn it the Gazoo Racing badge, and it will join Toyota's ever-expanding global sportscar lineup as the all-new GR86, joining the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Supra, forming a formidable triumvirate. 

The vehicle's front end features a GR-specific Functional Matrix "G Mesh" Grille that combines performance and expressiveness. It has angular LED headlights that complement the aerodynamic front air dams and vents, as well as side sill spoilers to improve steering responsiveness and stability. 

Meanwhile, 11.6- and 11.4-inch vented front and rear brakes should give massive stopping power, while Michelin Primacy HP tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels on the GR86 provide increased levels of grip.

Various performance driving drills were held during the day-long event but the star of the show was undoubtedly the Toyota GR86. While no official pricing, specs, and release date have been confirmed, Toyota Motor Philippines is brewing up something big for the official launch. What we do know is that the sports car comes with a 2+2 seating configuration, rear-wheel drive, improved rigidity, and stability as well as weight-saving features like aluminum body panels.

Exciting improvements over the first-generation model include a bigger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine co-engineered with Subaru that increases the overall power output to up to 230hp and 250Nm of torque. The increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology all contribute to the boost in power, satiating fans who found the first generation's output lacking.

This time, owners can expect acceleration figures to be further improved with zero-to-100kph times just shy over six seconds. Drivers will be able to choose between a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission. 

Toyota Safety Sense, the brand's suite of active and passive safety features, is also expected in the automatic transmission variant. Features such as Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Cruise Control, and High Beam Assist make driving this track and mountain-pass beast even safer.

"Gazoo Racing has always been about igniting excitement for drivers," says TMP Assistant Vice President for PR and Communications Elvin Luciano, “We are optimistic that the GR86 will have a very strong following once it is officially launched,” he added. 

Pricing has yet to be announced but you can expect it to gun against its platform twin the Subaru BRZ and get priced competitively. Watch this space as we at ZIGWHEELS PHILIPPINES await more details on the all-new GR86

Photos by Roy Robles

Also read: WATCH: Toyota GR86, GR Supra do a bit of 'malling'