2022 Toyota 86 embraces the evolution of the sports car with renewed appearance, more power

We saw the 2022 Subaru BRZ last year and on Sunday, Toyota debuted its version. Welcome to the world of the second generation Toyota 86 sports car, which curves with more power, a bolder appearance and the same mission as its predecessor: providing affordable entertainment for the masses.

Toyota unveiled the new 86 in Japan with partner Subaru displaying the BRZ for the first time locally. While the two use different packaging, the 86 is again a car identical to the BRZ. Behind the Toyota Gazoo Racing grille is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 230 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. We will have to wait for units with US specifications to see if the 86 actually produces a few more horsepower than the BRZ’s 228 HP, or if the conversion of kilowatts into horses is generous. Toyota told the Roadshow that specific information from the US will come in the coming weeks. Like the BRZ, the 2.4-liter engine replaces the 2.0-liter unit with more than 20 hp and an additional nearly 30 lb-ft.

Drivers will once again have the option of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, both aimed exclusively at the rear tires, with 215/40 measures, equal to those of the BRZ. A set of 18-inch wheels is standard. With the manual transmission, a sprint from 0 to 62 mph should take 6.3 seconds – more than 1 second faster than the outgoing 86 – and the weight only increases by 23 pounds when comparing new and old cars.

Roadshow understands that 86 was, in fact, delayed under the direction of Toyota to further differentiate the new Subaru BRZ coupé and, it seemed, the engineers’ goal was to create an even more sporty car. The company said Toyota and Subaru became involved in a “friendly rivalry” when both teams developed the cars, with the first team working to build something a little more raw. It is not entirely different from how the current 86 and BRZ position themselves, with the Subaru version the more ‘luxurious’ of the two, but it seems that Toyota has worked to increase the sensation, at least on paper. The automaker promises a sense of “distinct” direction from its corporate cousin to meet the attainable performance goal.

The body’s stiffness is up to 50% compared to the old 86, while the use of aluminum for the roof panels helps to keep the center of gravity low as a focal point. Aluminum also reaches the fenders to help reduce the weight of the curb. New revised seats and mufflers also contribute to minimal weight gain. Meanwhile, functional aerodynamic parts ooze from Gazoo Racing motoring campaigns. The extra weight present probably comes from the fact that the new 86 bundles Subaru’s EyeSight suite with driver assistance technology. The complete kit and caboodle will come for the ride this time.

Speaking of a kit, the cabin remains a driver-oriented area and, like the BRZ, it gains a new 7-inch display. When drivers enter, Toyota says a cool animation sequence is inspired by the car’s boxer engine. The materials of the outgoing 86 are very good for the price and, fortunately, the 2022 86 remains high.

O Current 86 absolutely incorporates the joys of a “slow-car-fast” driving experience, and we are very happy to be behind the wheel of this new one. So far, evolutionary changes seem to carry the 2022 86, but you know what they say, don’t fix what’s not broken. The new car will go on sale in Japan this fall, and a launch in the United States should not be far behind.