2022 Toyota GR 86 Lands In America With More Power And Sleeker Styling For 2nd Gen (Live Pics)

We’re at Toyota’s North American headquarters in Texas checking out all their latest models, including the second generation GR 86 that was introduced today in U.S. specification. Following our original story this morning, we’ve shot some live photos of the sports coupe. [Updated]

The original Scion FR-S and Toyota 86 were great driver’s cars, but they left a few things to be desired including a lack of power. Toyota is now trying to right those wrongs with the all-new GR 86. While the model was originally unveiled in April, we’re now getting a glimpse of the U.S. variant which will arrive in showrooms late this year.

Looking more refined than its predecessor, the 2022 GR 86 features an evolutionary design with a prominent “Matrix G Mesh” grille that is flanked by LED headlights and vertical air intakes. The model also has new front fender vents, sportier side skirts and a sleeker greenhouse. The sporty styling continues out back as designers gave the coupe an integrated rear spoiler and a dual exhaust system. They’re joined by new taillights and a small diffuser.

Also Read: The 2022 Toyota GR 86 Is A Prettier, More Powerful And Sharper Driver’s Car

The GR 86 comes standard with 17-inch wheels, but Premium variants are distinguished by 18-inch forged wheels with a black finish wrapped in grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Both are backed up by discs that measure 11.6 inches (295 mm) at the front and 11.4 inches (290 mm) at the rear.

An Evolutionary, But More High Tech Interior

Drivers will find an evolutionary interior that adopts a new dashboard, upgraded sport seats and an 8-inch infotainment system. The GR 86 is also more high-tech as it sports a 7-inch digital instrument cluster with displays that vary depending on the selected driving mode. In particular, Track mode shows “real-time readouts of gear position, engine speed, water temperature and oil temperature.”

Upgrading to the GR 86 Premium adds leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as padded leather touchpoints and silver accents. Other niceties include aluminum pedals and an eight-speaker audio system.

On the safety front, models equipped with the automatic transmission come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Braking and High Beam Assist, among other things.

A New 2.4-Liter Engine With 228 HP

One of the biggest complaints about the original 86 was a lack of power and Toyota has addressed this by fitting the GR 86 with a new 2.4-liter engine. Thanks to the larger displacement as well as changes to the intake and exhaust, the four-cylinder produces 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque.

While that won’t placate fans screaming for a turbo, the new engine has 23 hp (17 kW / 23 PS) and 28 lb-ft (38 Nm) more than its predecessor. That doesn’t sound like much, but the extra power is certainly welcome as the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time drops from 7.0 to 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission. The differences are even more noticeable with the six-speed automatic as it hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.6 seconds, an improvement of 1.4 seconds.

Furthermore, the 2.4-liter engine produces its peak torque at a relatively low 3,700 rpm. This is a dramatic improvement over the old engine which had to be revved to 6,600 rpm to hit its peak output.

Sticking with the performance theme, the GR 86 features a Torsen limited-slip differential as well as front and rear frame reinforcements that increase rigidity. The model also has aluminum fenders and roof panels, which help to give the car a curb weight of around 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg).

Additional details will be announced closer to launch, but Toyota said every 2022 GR 86 will come with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). This will enable them to attend a free high performance driving event and receive discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

Live image credits Mike Gauthier for CarScoops