The Toyota GR86 continues to be a budget sports car darling, and this summer, the new 2027 model sticks to its tried-and-true formula while adding a few updates to keep things fresh. The updates aren’t just skin-deep either; there are actually performance-minded upgrades to speak of. So let’s start speaking.
Subtle, But Thoughtful Performance Updates
The entire thesis of a car like the Toyota GR86 is to be an accessible yet capable sports car. That’s a deceptively thin tightrope to walk, so Toyota needs to be very demure and mindful about how it approaches upgrades. The new 2027 model has a suite of performance tweaks that seem to target driving refinement rather than massive changes.
For starters, the 2027 model has a recalibrated throttle for smoother and more linear response. Next, the chamfer of the shifter interlock between 4th and 5th gears has been widened by approximately 0.2 inches to smooth the downshift from 5th to 4th. In theory, this should increase confidence when driving on the track and setting up for a turn, and in daily driving on the street.
The Performance Package returns for 2027 and includes the same Brembo Brakes and SACHS Dampers upgrades. The Performance Package is available for the base and premium trims and for both automatic and manual transmissions.
New Color Option
For the 2027 model year, the GR86 will have a new color: Thunder. The solid grey hue has color-shifting properties, so it will look different depending on how light hits its surface. A new “Cockpit Red” interior color joins the options as well, with black Ultrasuede and red leather accents on the door panels and red floor mats.
Thunder grey and red sounds like a sweet combo, but the nerd in me kind of wishes there was a yellow interior option available called the “Storm Edition.” Get it? Because of Storm from X-Men? Nevermind…
A Car That Teaches The Driver
This isn’t a new thing, but in case you didn’t know, new Toyota GR vehicle buyers can get a free 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) compliments of Toyota. The membership includes 1 free HPDE (High Performance Driving Event) and discounted admission into certain NASA-sanctioned events. That offering will continue for the 2027 GR86. It’s a pretty sweet deal and a great excuse to get your new sports car on the track in a safe environment, so if you’re planning on picking up a new GR vehicle, you may want to take advantage of it.
The 2027 Toyota GR86 is set to hit dealerships this summer, but pricing has yet to be announced. I’ll keep you updated once I get word from Toyota.
2027 Toyota GR86 Gallery
