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2023 Toyota GR86 Manual Review

2023 Toyota GR86

Base Price: $28,400

2.0 Flat 4

228 HP / 184 TQ

Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi

Media: Manufacturer

A GR86 blessed with a manual transmission is one of the ultimate rolling examples of simplicity in 21st century motoring. From the manual switchgear, to the simple infotainment system to even the seat controls. There is nothing on the GR that will distract you from driving and in a vehicle like this…that is all the matters.

Performance

The GR86 is powered by a 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot but it’s plenty. The torque comes on strong at low revs and snickieting through the manual gates, keeps the engine on boil. You can get to 60 in about 5.4 seconds, which won’t win any Vin Diesel points but the way you get to 60 mph is what matters in this car.

Handling

The GR86 is one of the best-handling cars on the road. It's lightweight, well-balanced, and has a low center of gravity. This simple recipe is the building blocks of a great sports car. You fling the GR into any bend without a car in the world because it’s so freakin’ controllable. That control enables you to go from Lewis Hamilton mode straight to Ken Block (RIP) mode from one corner to the next.

Interior

The GR86's interior is simple but functional. It's not the most luxurious interior on the market, but it's comfortable-ish. What is truly amazing about the interior is that there is a pair of rear seats that can actually fit humans. Small humans mind you, but humans nonetheless! It’s ‘bigger’ brother the Supra only comes with 2 seats.

Add that to a generous sized trunk…the GR86 could be the perfect one car solution for you single people out there.

Overall

Do you want a fun, trackable, practical, efficient and affordable sports car? There is only one option. The 2023 Toyota GR86