Toyota GR86 | Subaru BRZ II (2020)

Model year 2024 also brings suspension and braking upgrades with a GR86 Performance Package. Consisting of ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes, this new Performance Package will be standard on the TRUENO Edition. The Performance Package will be an option that customers can add to for new 2024 GR86 models and available as a retrofit for any GR86 from the 2022 or 2023 model years (18-inch wheels required). The package is specially tuned by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for the GR86, with the aim of maximizing handling, ride comfort, and brake system consistency.

A new addition for manual transmission equipped models is an Active Safety Suite. The system uses a stereo camera to monitor the road ahead and includes features like Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert and High Beam Assist. This system was previously available on automatic transmission equipped models. The addition of active safety adds to Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and more.

The 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition will be available in limited quantities this coming Winter. The Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the GR86 TRUENO Edition and complete GR86 2024 lineup will be shared later this year.

The Thunderclap is Back

With its pop-up halogen headlights, angular hood, and liftback styling, the 1984-1987 Corolla Sport GT-S liftback, or Sprinter Trueno as it was known in Japan, brought sporty performance to the fifth generation Corolla line in the U.S. With it, Toyota brought a unique model to the hot hatch category.

Also referred to as the AE86, which was the chassis code for the 1980’s era model, it was powered by a 1.6-liter twin cam 16-valve engine with a rev-happy redline of 7500 rpms. Its low curb weight of around 2,300 pounds and rear wheel drive powertrain and factory limited slip differential, paired with a suspension that was a combination of MacPherson struts and 4-link coil springs with a lateral rod, made it a favorite of drivers who liked to tame the corners.

The combination of a snappy 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive platform, balanced front-to-rear weight proportion, and tunability made the AE86 popular among rally, circuit and touring racers. The fact that the liftback design could carry four mounted wheels and tires made it a favorite among weekend racers too.

The model became especially popular for use in drift racing. The weight and power proportions were a perfect fit for the style of driving that took corners with controlled oversteer. Notably, it became the model of choice for Japanese “Drift King” Keiichi Tsuchiya and other top Japanese drift racers, who cemented the model’s reputation in the motorsport. The AE86’s popularity also crossed over into popular culture in the 1990’s, as an AE86 Trueno GT-APEX Liftback with black rockers and hood known as the “panda” gained Anime fame as it twisted its way down fictional mountain roads.

For 2024, the heritage of the AE86 marks its return with the GR86 TRUENO Edition. Its design elements on the exterior and interior are a modern interpretation of the 1980’s model. As for performance, the GR86 is recognized by many enthusiasts as Toyota’s spiritual successor to the AE86. With a lightweight, RWD platform, and the TRUENO Edition’s upgraded suspension damper and brake system, it is a driver’s car engineered with a priority on handling and balanced power delivery, ready for the twists and turns ahead.

Performance Level-Up Acquired

For 2024, the GR86 amplifies its handling qualities with the addition of an optional performance package consisting of ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes. This damper and brake package will be standard on the 2024 TRUENO Edition and can be added as a dealer installed option for any new 2024 GR86 lease or purchase, or any GR86 back to model year 2022, with 18-inch wheels.

The SACHS Dampers are filled with high pressure nitrogen and oil and are designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximize ground contact, and support firm, stable steering, while also balancing road feedback and ride comfort. The red-painted Brembo 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers clamp down on smooth surfaced 12.8 x 1.3-in front rotors, with 12.4 x .79-in. rotors in the rear. The brake pad area is 11.6-in² in the front and 4.9-in² in the rear.