Ten years ago, Toyota caused a stir within the motoring community with the original Toyota GT86. It has sold more than 200 000 units internationally since its launch in 2012. This was thanks to an attainable price, engaging driving dynamics and a lightweight yet usable 2+2 configuration. Its replacement, the now rebranded GR86, aims to remain true to the sportscar character of its rear-wheel-drive predecessor while improving on the recipe with a new, larger-capacity, naturally aspirated engine. We attended the European dynamic press launch for a first drive of the manual-transmission Toyota GR Supra and GR86.
CAR has been following the development of Toyota’s high-performance arm, the Gazoo Racing (GR) brand, closely and no doubt you have, too. Locally, GR initially teased us with the effervescent Yaris GRMN in 2018 to give us a taste of what was to come. This was followed by the return of the legendary Supra nameplate. We tested and enjoyed two versions during our 2020 and 2021 Performance Shootouts. The brand then launched the massively entertaining GR Yaris in 2021 and by the end of this year, both the manual-transmission GR Supra and new GR86 will land on our shores. These two vehicles are rare as they demonstrate Toyota’s dedication to driver engagement despite the clear move towards EVs and the steady decline of three-pedal sportscars.
COUPÉ PROPORTIONS
In terms of exterior design, the GR86 is more of an evolution of its predecessor than a complete overhaul, inspired by elements of the iconic AE86 Corolla (HachiRoku to Initial D fans) and the svelte 2000GT. This may be too conservative a design approach for some, but the short overhangs, low-slung look and typical front-engined, rear-wheel-driven proportions should age well.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2022 من CAR South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2022 من CAR South Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
