2022 Toyota GR 86 first drive review

It's a story that's playing out across the industry: When it's time for a new generation, internal-combustion performance cars are getting an overhaul rather than a complete redesign.The Nissan Z is going down that path, and rumor has it that the next-generation Ford Mustang will face a similar fate.Even Cadillac's Blackwing variant is more of a hybrid version of its predecessor than an all-new vehicle.So it goes with the 2022ToyotaGR 86 (and its Subaru sibling, the BRZ, but that's going to have to wait a while).

Toyota's variant has now received the "GR" designation.This stands for Gazoo Racing, which started life as theToyotaskunkworks racing team.While it's still the name of Toyota's now-official factory racing event, this shorthand is also used to denote models like the 86 and Supra, which are built for fun first and transportation second.So, not a Corolla.

Toyota's marketing team has taken the new name as a sign that the small coupe has "graduated" to Toyota's official performance division.It's not the craziest pitch we've seen, but considering the 2022 model's fairly modest update, it's not something we're inclined to rock.

The most notable upgrade to the 2022 GR 86 is its engine.Out: A 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 205 horsepower and (seemingly) about 9 pound-feet of torque.In: A more refined 2.4-liter mill that produces 228 horses and peaks at 184 lb-ft, which is 2,700 rpm faster than the old mill (156 lb-ft, if you must know).Still there: six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, both tuned to fit the new engine and improve quality of life.

The 2022 model is available in two trims: Base and Premium.The former comes standard with 215/45R17 17-inch wheels and Michelin Primacy HP tires (yes, originally the same as the infamous "Prius tires"), while the Premium comes with 18-inch wheels - spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4 - in due summer.Even this sticky rubber is still thin at the factory, registered at 215/40R18.

The GR 86's wheelbase (101.4 inches), overall length (167.9 inches), and kerb weight (2,811-2,868 pounds) are also nearly identical, also thanks to the carryover platform.A standard Torsen limited-slip differential is also available, along with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.In short, the GR 86 is the same size and shape as the old 86, but with slightly more power.According to the manual, Toyota claims the 2022 GR 86 will hit a top speed of 60 mph in 6.1 seconds; the car is half a second slower and 6 mph faster.

Section two, same as section one, right? Well, that's what Toyota feared we'd say, so to make absolutely clear that the GR 86 is significantly better than its predecessor, some examples of the outgoing model are in New York The Monticello Auto Club came out and we could see it in person (really).

We started in the morning at Monticello's South Course to allow us to get used to the car in a shorter, slower configuration, then in the afternoon we relaxed on a modified version of the full course.While learning the basics of the Monticello, I did scouting laps in contemporary cars to re-familiarize themselves with its character and quirks.