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Toyota’s Signature Affordable Sports Car Just Unexpectedly Got Even Better

The GR86 is already pretty darn epic, but Toyota somehow made it even better.

Close-up of a blue car's rear with a "GR 86" badge and a partially visible red taillight.Toyota
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By Chris Chin

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The Toyota GR86 (and its Subaru twin) is an undoubtedly fabulous machine in more ways than one. But somehow, the Big T found a way to make it even better.

For the 2027 model year, Toyota is rolling out a roster of updates for the GR86. It’s all to make the already enthusiast-grade two-door even more epic.

Making the epic driving GR86 even more epic to drive

Blue Toyota GR sports car driving on a winding road with trees and mountains in the background.
Toyota rolled out some skin-deep upgrades to the 2027 GR86.
Toyota

Upon first glance, it seems like the GR86 is the same as last year’s model. But that’s because Toyota’s updates are found beneath the sheet metal, as they’re aimed at improving the car’s drivability.

It’s no secret that the GR86 is a leading example of the lightweight sports coupe formula. It is an absolute master-class lesson in vehicle dynamics and handling.

While its capabilities are accessible to most drivers, making the best of the experience still requires some reasonable skill. Thus, to improve the GR86’s drivability, engineers made some notable technical updates.

Blue Toyota GR 86 sports car with black wheels and red brake calipers parked in front of a beige industrial building.
Despite already being pretty darn epic to drive, Toyota made some revisions and refinements to the power- and drivetrain.
Toyota

Such includes improved shifter feel for the six-speed manual transmission, updated throttle calibration for improved response from the 2.4-liter flat-four and various other tweaks.

The updates to the transmission and the throttle calibration are to improve the GR86’s controllability, according to Toyota. It’s supposed to result in a smoother engine response based on gas pedal progression.

The engine throttle calibration also works in tandem with the revised shifter actuations, resulting in smoother shifts, mainly in the upper gear ranges.

Gray Toyota GR86 sports car rear with black spoiler and dual exhausts under clear blue sky.
The updated 2027 GR86 debuted at this year’s annual FuelFest in the Bay Area.
Toyota

For those who even want to spice things up, Toyota also introduced a new Performance Package. It adds beefier Brembo brakes and premium SACHS dampers.

Engineers also tweaked other suspension bits with the Performance Package to better complement the upgraded SACHS shock absorbers. It results in a noticeable hike in handling and stability, mainly at speed.

Celebrating Toyota’s enthusiast pedigree

Person standing between a silver sports car and a red vintage race car in front of a Gazoo Racing tent.
Of course, no FuelFest is complete without a cameo appearance from the one and only Sung Kang.
Toyota

In addition to the upgrades and the revised GR86’s debut at this year’s annual FuelFest in the San Francisco area, Toyota also celebrated its dedication to enthusiasts.

And the automaker did so by announcing the inclusion of a free, one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (the other NASA). It’s an organization dedicated to amateur road racing and performance driver education.

Close-up of a silver Toyota GR 86 rear with taillight and black rear window trim.
Toyota embraced its enthusiast roots by also including a free, one-year membership to NASA (no, the other NASA, or National Auto Sport Association).
Toyota

The subscription couldn’t be a better pairing, especially with the GR86. And that’s because the car is a fabulous entry point for those looking to indulge in motorsports.

Availability and pricing

If you’re looking to land a 2027 Toyota GR86 for yourself, thankfully, you don’t have to wait too long. The Japanese automaker confirmed its eventual arrival at local dealers later this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to that time.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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