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The History of the Toyota GR86
2026-01-22
Few sports cars capture the joy of driving quite like the Toyota GR86.
Lightweight, balanced, and finely tuned, it l represents Toyota’s dedication to pure performance. The GR86 continues a legacy that began with one of the most iconic names in motoring history.
From AE86 to Modern Icon
From AE86 to Modern Icon
The story of the GR86 starts with the 1980s Toyota AE86 Corolla. Known as the “Hachi-Roku” in Japan, it became famous for its rear-wheel-drive layout, agile handling, and simplicity. Beloved by racers and drift enthusiasts alike, the AE86 proved that driving enjoyment comes from balance, not brute force. That same philosophy inspired Toyota to bring the 86 back to life decades later.
The Return of the 86
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The Return of the 86
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In 2012, Toyota revived the spirit of the AE86 with the launch of the 86 Toyota. Developed in partnership with Subaru, the 86 offered an affordable entry point into genuine sports car performance. Its 2.0-litre boxer engine, low centre of gravity, and lightweight chassis made it a hit among enthusiasts around the world.
The 86 showed that Toyota’s performance heritage was alive and evolving.
The GR86: Born from Gazoo Racing
The GR86: Born from Gazoo Racing
By 2021, Toyota’s motorsport division, Gazoo Racing, refined and relaunched the 86 as the Toyota GR86. The new model featured a 2.4-litre boxer engine with increased power, a strengthened chassis, and sharper aerodynamics. These upgrades created a more responsive, confident, and rewarding drive.
Every aspect of the GR86 was designed to connect the driver to the road. From its finely tuned steering to its perfectly balanced rear-wheel-drive setup, it brings back the feeling of true driving purity.
Designed for the True Enthusiast
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Designed for the True Enthusiast
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The Toyota GR86 is not built for straight-line speed alone. It is crafted for drivers who value precision, control, and connection. The Torsen limited-slip differential, lightweight design, and near-perfect balance ensure every corner feels intuitive and alive.
It is the embodiment of Gazoo Racing’s mission to create cars that are fun, responsive, and built from real-world motorsport experience.
The GR Family
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The GR Family
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The Toyota GR86 joins the ranks of Toyota’s GR family alongside the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR Corolla. Each model delivers its own character, yet all share the same DNA of performance and driver engagement.
Experience the GR86 at New Town Toyota
At New Town Toyota in East Victoria Park, we are proud to represent the full Toyota GR range in Western Australia. Whether you are exploring the latest GR86 or looking for a pre-owned sports model, our team can help you experience what makes Gazoo Racing vehicles so unique.
Book a test drive today and discover why the Toyota GR86 is more than a car. It is a return to driving at its purest.
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