Why the new Toyota GR86 is better than the GR Supra - detailed full review

[@DriverGuy23]

I’m at the point in my life where I’m quite comfortable with my finances and can afford most any vehicle, but this car fills my need in every way. I’ve had several Porsches and many other expensive sports cars and they were all wonderful, but with one major flaw. They were all very expensive to maintain. I had a previous gen 86 and enjoyed it very much, but it was severely underpowered. Watched the GR86 reviews and ordered a manual premium model from my local dealer in Neptune Blue. Here’s the truth > The car is quite amazing, plenty of power and very good looking, inside & out. The car actually came with more premium standard options than my Porsches did. Plus, they drive and handle extremely well. I find the handling even more lively and more fun than all of the previous sports cars I’ve had. End result > I’ve found my new GR86 to be the best sports car I’ve owned so far and the consumables and maintenance are extremely cheap, in my opinion. I get just as much driving satisfaction from the GR86 as I did with cars 3 times the price. I’ve calculated that I’ve saved thousands of dollars in the first 10 months of ownership already by replacing my 718 with the GR86. If you can find one, it’s a must recommendation.

[@rarerubber]

NICE AWES0ME KEEP_IT_UP! 🎉✨🎉✨🎉🎉🎎🎭🎎🎭🎎🎭🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎗🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑🎑✨🎆

[@pigupigu]

Similar sentiment here. Have owned multiple 911, carrera 4s, Audi RS, Evos, STi and a slew of other high performance cars of all origins and have several Tesla at my disposal for business and daily use but I always go back to my Toyota 86 for fun drives and tracktime. It's simply more fun to drive than other high value and high performance cars. Could easily go out and buy something 5x the price and power output but there's simply no need

[@bobmitchell8012]

Boring.

[@stms4411]

Enjoy it! I think it’s well beyond the cost of ownership. Owned a brz (first gen) and a 981 boxster s in parallel. They are different and their differences were exciting to sample back to back. You said the word “lively”….it’s amazing really - those two cars were within 117lbs of one another (the Porsche being the heavier of the two), but the Subaru felt demonstrably more flingable and lithe. The Porsche felt more substantial and has a more sophisticated chassis. Having driven a 2022 (gr86), I’m convinced I’ll eventually get a Toyota or Subaru version and retain the boxster.

[@getawayhs2856]

It's not great looking & and it won't feel special. For this sort of money, this sort of car, it's got to be an used F-Type, all day.

[@cme2cau]

Back in 1989, we were buying a new car for my wife. We had 2 young kids. We bought a Corolla, but the was a Celica GT4 in the showroom that my wife fell in love with. It was twice the price of the Corolla and less practical. I promised to get her a sporty car later, when the kids had grown up. We always drove manuals, even as they became scarcer here in Australia. Some of my sons' schoolfriends were surprised that our boy's mother could drive a manual! Sadly, she suffered a spinal injury that made clutch control difficult and tiring, so autos it was. Fast forward to 2018 (only took me 28 years!) and she saw it. A GT86, ignition red, in a Toyota dealer. Sadly, not for sale as it was hail damaged, but she had found the car she wanted. I went on the hunt, and an ignition red auto 86GTS turned up. 6 months old, 10,000 kms. Our trusted mechanic gave it a clean bill of health (price, 1 slab) and we have had it for 3 years now. Lovely car. The auto is really more of a GT car than a sports car, and it's a good thing for a daytrip or even further touring. At a lookout near Bowral a young boy shouted "That's a supercar!' The 86 is used for daily commuting, usually under 3000 rpm and it's basically a RWD Impreza in a party frock. It's up to 34,000 kms. The "torque hole" is well documented, but put it in manual and use the paddle shifts to keep it over 4000 and it gets along alright. The Torsen diff and Premacy tyres do make things interesting. Having spent many of my younger years driving RWD cars on dirt roads, sideways is a perfectly acceptable manner of driving... We have fitted 3 people n the car, 2 adults (one 5'2") and a small child in the back. I have always contended that a well handling car is pleasant to drive, even if the driver knows nothing about Torsen diffs and multilink suspension. My wife loves it. Neither of us are fans of the look of the GR86/BRZ (we get both in Australia) but that is purely subjective. We expect to hang on to the GTS86 for a long time.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

I ordered the origianl GT86 back when it first came out after taking it for a test drive. It was fantastic fun to drive and just felt 'right' from the moment I got in it. The seating position, steering, gear chance etc were just spot on. I think it had plenty of power for our public roads. You could have so much fun in it without losing your drivers license! Thanks.

[@fastEdCanuck]

I'd heard that Toyota also guessed that many owners of the the GT86 would swap out the factory wheels & tires right off the hop, so they didn't bother spend too much on the OEM rubber.

[@anperson8329]

Even further in Japan, where the base model runs on (i believe) 16x6 steelies.

[@throwback19841]

@@anperson8329 Those would make nice full size spares!

[@glhs386]

The Primacies were actually inexplicably expensive. The PS4S in the same size is actually cheaper.

[@zanthraxnl]

@@anperson8329 Correct, they are 16" steelies instead of 17" alloys. Also, the RC version has unpainted bumpers, door handles and mirrors and no stereo, fog lights or AC. It's intended for people who want to take it racing.

[@anperson8329]

@@throwback19841 If I could find the part number, I'd let you know.

[@jcf1987]

Another great in-depth review Jonny 👏 Shame there isn't likely to be another car quite like this. Cheap(ish), fun, rear drive, naturally aspirated thrills.

[@Lightandluck]

The MX 5 is very close on spec.

[@ollianddelphine]

@@Lightandluck they need to bring back the s2000.

[@KimSE4]

@@Lightandluck How much more development will Maza put in though? People don't buy sports cars or convertibles that much these days. The MX5's days may be numbered...

[@mickl8212]

@@ollianddelphine Honda are done, they don't make anything exciting anymore apart from a ridiculously expensive Civic Type R. All of the models they used to do are now, sadly a distant memory.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@mickl8212 Don't forget the TLX Type S, though that turned out a bit mediocre, and NSX Type S was only recently discontinued too and is a decent enough car. Just not exotic or well-priced enough to resonate with buyers, though in terms of the drive, the NSX Type S seems to be exciting enough with the electric system doing a good job of torque filling to reduce the sense of turbo lag. At the other end of the market, the N-One RS continues on as a sporty Kei car, even if the S660 is, sadly, discontinued (only very recently). Obviously these vehicles are all designed for different markets, and you still have the Civic Si in North America, even if it is nowhere near being powerful enough to be exciting, it does a job as a fun-to-drive very economical everyday grocery car.

[@andyjones8448]

Great review. I have a GT86 the Fennsport tuned to 214bhp with a loud exhaust - tremendous car on PS4's for the money. Just wish I hadn't missed out on the GR86 as it sold out so quickly. It will definitely be a classic and a sound investment. A remap and an exhaust will get it to 250bhp and will be perfection. A long term forever car. Tuning makes more sense these days than it ever did as car makers struggle to comply with emissions and sound nonsense. They won't make cars like this for long and we will miss them badly.

[@on1774]

I really love the recent story of Toyota. It's not that long ago when a lot of 'car enthusiasts' laughed at them for making the Prius. Meanwhile, they have become the best at making hybrid vehicles. And that enabled them to now make a lot of enthusiast cars and sell them in Europe because of low fleet emissions. We can all thank the Prius for that. Great review as always Jonny.

[@6aloolq8]

Well said

[@moldyrefrigerator]

Did you guys not have the MK1-MK4 Supra, MR2, Celica, AE86 Corolla, 2000GT, etc..Toyota has been making enthusiast cars for decades before they created the Prius.

[@6aloolq8]

@@moldyrefrigerator well said

[@on1774]

@@moldyrefrigerator Sure, but that was before the strict emission regulations. These days, averaged CO2 emissions of every sold car must be under a certain level. If you sell a lot of hybrids/electric cars, you can than put something fun on the market as well. Big manufacturers are struggling with that (Mercedes putting a 4 cylinder into a C63, everyone dropping manual transmissions etc.). Suzuki had to stop selling the Jimny in Europe, because it was raising the emissions too much and they had to pay high fees to the EU. Even though the car was very popular…

[@alfred0621]

The prius gets a lot of undeserved hate.

[@TheDoosh79]

Wow Fensport, glad to see they're still going strong. I remember when they had a big power 3s-GTE engined Corolla doing the rounds in all the mags. Great memories.

[@Channy132]

Interestingly, in my 2013 GT86, with the seats down I can fit my mountain bike inside the car plus a load of other kit.

[@KieronTaylor]

I managed a new 55" TV, but I did have to vandalise the box to get it in.

[@SM-dt1pr]

Do you have to take the wheels off? I have a Brompton which goes in the boot of my MX5 if I take the saddle off - I am looking at a Gt86 for this reason.

[@Nemoticon]

Supra 2.0 is 200kg heavier than the GR86! No doubt the Supra is a great car, but not worth 20k more than its smaller sibling. Thing to remember is, not everyone who drives a sportscar car are sporty drivers and there's notihng wrong with that. Many buyers just want a good looking car and if that rsults them in picking up a GR86 with autobox or the 2.0 Supra, that's just extra sales for Toyota.

[@thatdave86]

Tis what cars should be like ,rather than trying to drive a laptop on wheels Great video and toy keep things real.

[@marknorman8112]

I'm glad you looked properly before pulling out of that junction. That truck would have put an end to this channel 😂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We knew someone would say that...

[@Reddsoldier]

Picked up a GT86 2 weeks ago as my new car and your point about being more than numbers is immediately what I'd say about the predecessor too. I think it has to do with the car being (relatively) small and you sitting very low to the ground. It amplifies what you are doing. 0-60 feels like you're blasting along, and B roads turn into long stretched out circuits with the weighty steering feel and the slick pedals and gearshift making you feel like you're driving a go-kart along. My only gripe so far is that the Volume knob for the stereo is on the left of the head unit which means you have to lean across like you're grabbing stuff out of the glovebox to adjust something as trivial as the volume of your music. It annoys me, but its the price I pay for the beautifully unblemished steering wheel which is absent of any buttons. I genuinely can't think of any modern cars that share this trait, short of maybe a Morgan? Car trivia people, HMU, are there any other cars that don't have wheel buttons aside from the old GT86?BRZ/FRS?

[@nicholasmatthews5989]

It is great that you are enjoying your GT86. Regarding "...unblemished steering wheel which is absent of any buttons...". It is very rare nowadays. When there was an update of the GT86, buttons were added to the steering wheel which removed that purity, but the bonus is that the volume of the stereo can be adjusted from the steering wheel and phone calls can be answered. When recently watching a review of the new McLaren Artura, it was big surprise (in a good way) that it's steering wheel does not have any buttons on it, whilst the Ferrari 296GTB has a smorgasbord of buttons.

[@duncanajpv8]

I've had my '86 for over 2 years now and agree with everything you've written. I'm rare in the fact I love the engine! Perfect car for me, a keeper.

[@S18DMW]

Another quality review. There is a BRZ alongside the GRRRRR86 though, sadly we're not getting it in the UK though. I've got the previous shape BRZ, a manifold/remap package fixes the torque issue of the old car. And some PS4's have fixed the issue with the previously terrible tyre choice

[@triode2a3]

Done the exact same with my GT86. I don't feel massive FOMO on the GR. Have owned my 86 from new (2012) and recent mods (from Adrian at Fensport) have upped the fun factor and should keep enjoying it for the next 10 years. If I get really bored, I'll just reach for a supercharger or turbocharger.

[@ArmySigs]

Ordered mine last week :) The 230hp figure is actually BS, that's why it feels faster. These usually dyno around 245hp at the crank and 215hp at the wheels. Extremely impressive for a 2.4 NA engine at this price point. Most def an instant classic!

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Typical Toyota, their 1.2t is supposed to be 116bhp, but dynos at about 140. I think they lie for some markets tax purposes...

[@ronanmcnamee2008]

Love to see one of these drag race against a Jap spec S2000

[@tufluxed3293]

Im assuming u aren’t in the UK if u ordered one last week cuz our allocation sold out in like 20 minutes 😢

[@ArmySigs]

In Australia, they only became available for order last month here

[@sgtmuffinbadger6147]

I call BS. The ones down here on the dyno get around 235 top

[@nickdrouet1502]

Excellent review Jonny! I have a supercharged GT86 - an approach that fixes both the power and torque problems of the original before the GR86. They are truly magical things. I very nearly sold it - but the V8 Vantage and the 911 that I drove as potential replacements didn't have nearly the levels of feel or fun of the 86. I know the GR86 is unobtanium, but anyone looking for wicked fun and aren't badge snobs, take a look - you won't be disappointed!

[@Comakino]

I'd be tempted to get a GT86 and tune it for the price of a new one of these, if that were an option.

[@GM-fh5jp]

With regard to "badge snobs"...real car guys see the Toyota badge as a badge of honor. Excellent engineering, unbreakable engines, great electrics and good resale value. As for the rest of them...who cares what *they* think?

[@axiomxperia7875]

@@GM-fh5jp but it's not a toyota engine.

[@GM-fh5jp]

@@axiomxperia7875 It was developed with the help and input of Toyota engineers so it has the essential Toyota DNA. "Badge snobs" refer to the badge on the car not the individual components no?

[@triode2a3]

you may have dodged a bullet with the vantage - my colleague has had a major engine issue and is looking at 30K - that will have got a you a new GR86 - but wait, you can't get one!

[@SkaffenUK]

Really appeals to me as well, just like the Jimny. Love the lack of needless technology.

[@mackie1001]

* 90 minutes but yeah, you had to be on the ball to get one.

[@sampatankar1977]

The almost 80's style interiors are coming back..love it

[@rjhandley556]

Great review as ever Jonny. I’ve never really got onboard with the GT86 until I drove one and totally fell for them. Agree with you I think this will be future classic

[@drunksupportcharacter]

Woah, Hold up, Dont discard the automatic 86, it has its own place, i would like to put the autos like this, Firstly you would buy this because you just want a simple small modern coupe (that prioritizes 2 seats i guess), In the past 10 years the only thing that really comes to mind here is an audi TT, These autos are for the people who like to cruise and still feel good avoiding the potholes in the road, Also Remember when flappy paddles were all the rage on old ps1/ps2 steering wheel setups? And you thought it was really cool in use, The automatic 86 is like that, it feels like the clutchless version of a racing game, that best describes the handling of an 86 overall, Gives you the option to ring out the engine if you want and it will bash the redline, and if you are really hooning it sure, you know a manual would be more direct, The manual is for the people who spend most their time on their "private b road behind their house" as the auto i find is extremely important because its a simple, crusing coupe.... for chilling out listening to drum and bass at 3am, even has the extra MPG to prove for that if it counts. Now i do dislike they have the extra saftey and all that on the new ones, but my point still stands tbh. Also i own x2 GT86s... manual and auto, because i felt she was pretty lonely on the drive heh. I mean also, anyone can just buy an F-type really, but the reality is you dont want the upkeep of an F-type, Most coupes are in the luxury status these days

[@robcyster3909]

Another great review of a nice drivers car. The big question is... when are you going back to drive that gr yaris ? That looks insane!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Yaris planned early next year.

[@philgifford8258]

@@TheLateBrakeShow It looks like it'll be Fenanimal.

[@hensh911]

@@TheLateBrakeShow You can borrow mine if you like. Done 700 miles so far and all standard (Scarlet Flare), except for satin bronze wheels and having fitted mud flaps. Loving it, great complement to my 997 C2S manual!👍🏼

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@TheLateBrakeShow racer x on youtube made flat 4 sound better for a subaru

[@iamhayden1983]

I’m glad it’s not just me who thinks the new Prius actually looks good

[@bondy284]

Great review as always Jonny !!!!.👍 I like GR 86 however I’ll stick with my GR Yaris🇦🇺

[@duncanajpv8]

It's the GT86 that will be the classic, the fact that it's slightly flawed, doesn't change the fact that it's the original, designed by one man, fron the ground up. An amazing car, and yes I'm an owner.

[@JamesGadbury]

Do more cars need to be like this? Yes. Yes they do. Let the engineers engineer, with passion and integrity. So much stuff in showrooms is the product of too much marketing influence. Scrap superfluous stuff. Function and feel over flash fakery. No false grills, silly noises or piped engine sounds. Stop making overly complex headlights that cost four figures to replace or look like a fruit machine on attract mode. Make indicators that other road users can see. Forget what trickery makes people go 'Oooooh' in the showroom, unless they're performance figures or beautiful lines. Make it light. Cut out any nagging / interfering / distracting tech. Make it fantastic to live with. Learn a thing or two from Gordon Murray - quality engineering, sleek beautiful looks, nothing on the car without a real purpose, lightweight, practical, easy to live with and maintain. Do all that and you'll have a wonderful car... which won't sell to the masses 😅

[@TassieLorenzo]

The problem is that most buyers don't want cars like this, they want cars like the Yaris Cross or Renault Captur or Lexus UX or BMW X2 (unfortunately). For example, the range of Cadillac V cars have been designed for driving enthusiasts by engineers for quite some time topping all the tests with the best "driving dynamics", yet even in the US they are still outsold by M cars and AMGs. Cadillac pretty much wasted their money, sadly to say, when they could have brought a more comprehensive range of SUVs to market (as much as those things are horrid).

[@JamesGadbury]

@@TassieLorenzo Yes, I agree that most customers seem to want the tech and gadgets, but if 5-10% of the market wants a simplified car, it might be worth going for that slice? Or maybe they could offer a 'pure' variant. That would appeal to me. Elegant and tactile; dials over screens, knobs over touchscreens, no iPad stuck on the dash, a manual box and handbrake, uncluttered steering wheel, pared back warning lights/noises. Am I really in a tiny minority? Suppose so, I'm just old 🙂 EDIT: and all manufacturers should be making lighter cars, for many reasons. Improved comfort, fuel economy, environmental credentials, handling, acceleration, braking. These EV SUVs are way too big and heavy.

[@TassieLorenzo]

@@JamesGadbury "Am I really in a tiny minority? Suppose so, I'm just old" We are just going to have to stick with older cars for the most part! The late 90's to early 2010's seems to be peak ICE car, before emissions and safety regulations started to get too strict, and before cars started to be loaded with annoying things like auto stop-start, lane keep assist, electric parking brakes, climate control (and everything else) in the touchscreen etc (though the GR86 does do a very good job at being a brand new 10 year old car)! 🙂

[@mickeystanic4750]

People, stop using cliches, Toyota Prius does NOT have HP Primacy tires that GT86 and the new base GR86 have..

[@phenomanII]

16:11 this man is so good at reviewing cars, he doesn't even have to think about it I see you showing off the cupholders Jonny, don't you dare think noone noticed :P

[@clifftonsfly]

That does look like it could be a rather annoying button placement.

[@TheRealKaner]

@@clifftonsfly yep..was going to say that. Seems to be a 'feature' of those clamshell type cubby hole/armrests...blooming annoying.

[@birdshenanigans8506]

That's what his advertisers said. Wake up to your self!

[@offsideundo]

Jonny Smith and Tiff Needell are still, hands down, the two best automotive on-camera presenters.

[@TheG60528XiJinPing]

4:40 they understand if you have a manual you are already paying attention.

[@TassieLorenzo]

😃 ...strictly Subaru's implementations of those safety systems don't work with the manual transmission for some reason, even though other auto maker can get those systems to work with manual. But I would rather not have a car that beeps and bongs all the time, it seems like it would be annoying.

[@SirLoinOfsteak85]

Interestingly, there IS a new BRZ, but Subaru decided not to bring it to Europe. Sad about that...

[@Fluterra]

Toyota is a JOKE when it comes to sports cars today. Their “flagship” is a BMW! In the 90s, they had the Corolla 86, Celia, Supra, and MR2. Now, there’s this - but the “allocation is sold out”!? WHAT? The GT86 is nice, but it’s an outdated design and under-powered, with a Subaru engine! WTF! Toyota is the world’s most profitable care co. No excuse for such a lame sports car lineup. No excuse.

[@KieronTaylor]

I'll have you know Mr Late Brake, I've done multiple airport runs with driver, two average height adults, a medium case and two carry ons. I mean, it wasn't exactly comfortable but sacrifices must be made! I miss my GT86.

[@douglasladowski6342]

This is for real driving. Autos are for posers

[@tednruth453]

MARIN mtb frame sitting OUTSIDE the garden shed! Come on Jonny, look after your stuff 🤠

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Soz.

[@tednruth453]

🤩😃 I'll let you off this time 😉

[@chrissengland]

Mx5 is an alternative, suggest a mk3.75 and have the team at BBR do their magic. Mines north of 200bhp (NA) and with a high quality coilover set up etc. All for well under 20k... plus the roof goes down

[@Cous1nJack]

And space for your comb and scissors?

[@SupremeMoFo]

​@@Cous1nJack​ yes, but no room for your ego

[@chrissengland]

@@Cous1nJack for sure 🤣

[@throwback19841]

Manufacturers: theres no real market for cars like this anymore Market: buys every available unit for 2 years in 90 seconds.

[@johnybigarms]

It was actually 90 minutes, Johnny got that wrong, but your right, no shortage of interest for light affordable sports cars

[@throwback19841]

@@johnybigarms well, that's still pretty damn quick considering its people throwing down 5 figures in a recession, or getting finance lol I'm not letting go of my mint 2000 mx-5 any time soon thats for sure.

[@theinsideguy4076]

In my opinion, the new supra should have been based off of the Lexus LC500 and they should have made it a GT-R competitor and then the entry level Supra with 254bhp should be nuked and this GR86 should have been around 300hp making it a Z competitor.

[@pmayo7894]

Supras were never GT-R competitors to begin with.

[@simonwheatley3351]

LOL - you put your chairs in it!! Brilliant!! Really pleased about the economy figures and that it is comfortable on a trip. Should get mine in 2023. Really looking forward to it.

[@RemaL-2023]

Cracking vid. Bought many times from Fensport for our GT86 we still have after 8 years

[@petelattimer6808]

it even SOUNDS half decent too. until, like the older version, the morons get their hands on it, put the exhaust manifolds on it to make it sound SHIT like a Subaru, then a huge loud exhaust, as found on the Impreza turbos adorning every McDonalds car park in the UK. also, Johnny, are you SURE its 690mm NARROWER? thats over 2 feet, which is a HELL of a lot, in car terms

[@captain-chunk]

this will forever the Greighty Six in my brain now

[@FRED25111247]

You summed it up in the first 1 minute of the video, great car but you can't buy one. Nice one Toyota......

[@waveman1500]

You have a big global audience Jonny, GR86 and new BRZ are both available to order in Australia. There are waiting lists, but not totally unavailable.

[@timwilliams2343]

I'd certainly take a GR86 over a Supra and then modify it - I've never really understood all the new love for the old Supra - apart from the F&F-driven nonsense - as back when I were a lad, a Supra wasn't particularly cool ...

[@davidmoore349]

110kmiles on my FRS and I still love it. I am sure if I ever can get one of these I will love it.

[@ianjenkins4641]

Bland. Lacking power. Not for me

[@koolade76]

Nissan missed out not continuing the s platform it would have the perfect competition to this.

[@jonnyspeed]

I like this car, don’t get me wrong. But there is absolutely NO way this is better than my MX5 RF. The Mazda engine sounds better and revs more freely. The gearbox is better. The roof OPENS (MX5 wins on this alone). Handling is close (MX5 with springs is better IMHO). Power to weight is close. And while subjective and I think GR86 is attractive, the MX5 RF looks better to me. Lastly, The interior of the MX5 is more premium and upscale than the GR. After saying all that I may actually buy a GR for my son at some point, but it doesn’t beat MX5 in my opinion.

[@plugsocket9432]

I tried to get on the list however Toyota had already sold all two year's worth of GR86. I might buy one in three or four years time although I don't want to pay silly money for a used one.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Best option might be a JDM import then. I suspect UK cars will hold their value, given the small numbers allocated.

[@k-mc94]

FenSport Yaris: 2.6BAR of boost and some prayers 😆

[@shannondudley3757]

My dream car for when i grow up. Thanks for your great review Johnny. We can only hope other car makers listen. Keep it simple. Analogue if possible. It's what the people want.

[@SmallBlogV8]

Small point: the GR 86 only "stands on its own" in so far as the accompanying BRZ mk.II isn't being sold in all the same markets (but it does exist). // The fact they only sent 400 to GB is very sad and might also mean that people here are much more precious about them than they would be with a GT86 (unless there becomes a healthy import market for JDM examples). Before ordering £20k of upgrades the first thing I'd do is paint the damned wheels. Black wheels suck!

[@RandyWillcox]

11:01 "And it reminds me of our old Jimny..." Past tense... I'd forgotten momentarily... 🥺 Edit: That project GR Yaris! 🤯 Can't wait for THAT video!

[@769Del]

I’ve got one on order due for delivery sometime this month (after a lengthy, lengthy delay)! Cannot wait to take delivery.

[@btd836]

10:53 order. At the current rate mine will arrive in Dec 2023. I'm regretting spending 20 minutes agonising over colour now. I hope you enjoy yours.

[@769Del]

@@btd836 what colour did you go for? Having one on order makes you lucky at all, something to look forward to! May also get a cancelled order, seen a few of those bump people up already.

[@btd836]

@Michael Delahorne Sapphire blue, like in this video. Seems rarer based on the list on GRZoo. I was very tempted by Neptune blue. I thought it was a bit too boy racer for me.

[@johnybigarms]

I went for Neptune Blue and took 40 minutes to get my order in, was a real pain just getting to see the car on the Toyota website that morning, reckon I may be lucky to see it late 2023 according to Toyota, but I’m fine with that, I know I’m lucky to be on the list of under 450 cars, numbers not to be extended in the U.K. which is silly as they could sell another 1000 in a heart beat, although I’m smug a little that they are so rare 😊

[@btd836]

@t3pro ltd Yeah I had difficulty too. First tried the toyota website. Sat there for 20 minutes but no order page appeared. Then went via link in email to a seemingly identical page that worked. Neptune blue will look awesome.

[@CubeCyclone]

Toyota appear to be listening to customers of other makes. Many people think there is too much tech and too many things to go wrong and unnecessary bells and whistles and no soul. People want to be connected to their car and want a car to put a smile on their face. This version reminds me of the 2000GT but not as pretty (obv) but I would say an instant classic and it's everything the GT86 isn't.

[@jckblck]

@the late brake show. They're all Subarus, built by Fuji Heavy Industry, the new gen BRZ is already out, it's just not coming to Europe for... reasons.

[@paulleggett9735]

Such am honest car. It sike a car of 10 years ago but with modern build quality. It's a shame the Corolla GR isn't coming to the UK, that seems like a perfect UK car.

[@DanielDrives]

Excellent video, Jonny. I do like what Toyota have done with the GR86, it's a true driver's car. Also, that GR Yaris is a beast!

[@360degree3]

I have owned a GT86 Aero and I have enjoyed every single drive. I jumped to GT86 from a BMW M235i and I can say I still love GT86 than any other car I have owned. People says GT86 is under powered, but I never felt like it was missing on power. Maybe a touch more torque would have been better but again thats me being greedy. For UK roads and rules, GT86 is a perfect car and you can enjoy every drop of fuel and not loose your license. The best part was that the rear end of the car gives you a touch of a slip but corrects it easily which was awesome. Such a no nonsense car that was. With some decent exhaust and speakers (if u like to listen to music in cars), GT86 was a killer. I regret selling it. I am sure GR86 will take it to the next level and in near future the GR86 will become a collectors car like BMW 1M/ original Supra. Congratulations to all who could place an order for GR86 and for people who already have GT86 or missed GR86, get hold of a GT86 before they become super expensive as these are future classics. Enjoy driving and be safe.😊

[@thisisveryrandom]

As much as I love your videos Jonny, I think you've got this one wrong. How can you claim this is the best bang for buck when UK Toyota dealers are now flipping these cars for in excess of £42K? There was one listed a couple of days ago for £60K! You can buy a very lightly used 2.0 GR Supra for around £40K - a car you specifically mentioned in this video as being too expensive.. No doubt this is a great car but low availability doesn't automatically make something an instant classic. You mentioned the S2000 in this video which is funny because that car is lighter, sounds better, has a better engine and gearbox and was manufactured well over 20 years ago now! The only reason the GR86 is considered the best sports car of the moment is because there is very little else to compare it to in the UK other than it's older brother and probably an MX-5. The rivals you compare it to (Cayman, Alpine, etc) are more expensive because they are a far superior product in almost every department. For 95% of the same GR86 experience I would say most are better off saving £20K and sticking with the other options - GT86, MX5, etc. I would definitely consider buying one at £30K but £40K+ for a N/A Boxer engine that doesn't even rev very high in a car that is fairly weighty is an embarrassment. It shows how little progress has been made in this market segment in the last 2 decades and is a sad indictment of the current industry that this is considered an instant classic when it is actually an inferior car to what was being offered over 20 years ago. All my own opinions obviously but open to healthy debate.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We review cars based upon their retail price, not inflated dealer prices. Dealers are being greedy. The car is incredible to drive and offers delightful feedback and real world speed thrills.

[@andrewmullen4003]

1994-2022 I make that 28 years not 34?

[@strandvaskeren]

So Toyota plans on killing of a car that sold out in 90 seconds? "Clever"..

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Without reading all the comments the Subaru version of the GR86 is on sale in other markets definitely Australia and no doubt Japan.

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

I daily drive one, and love it. A lift-back would have been a lot more practical, but It would have weighed a good deal more.

[@KobayashiMaru86]

Great review, Jonny. Mine should be here this month if Toyota can pull their finger out. Can't wait

[@aroundomaha]

You have a different and refreshing viewpoint on the 86/BRZ. I ordered and received my BRZ in late 2021 after considering similar prices options. There weren’t many and after a full year of owning it I have few regrets. One thing that I would change is that the passenger seat doesn’t raise/lower. Other than that they 100% nailed the emotional chemistry of the update.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for commenting David. The emotional chemistry is a formula more car makers could do with in 2022,...

[@aroundomaha]

@@TheLateBrakeShow A website said that there were only 3,000 BRZ sold in the U. S. this year. Limited numbers may escalate its status more quickly.

[@TassieLorenzo]

"One thing that I would change is that the passenger seat doesn’t raise/lower. " That's pretty normal for most Japanese cars. I think a height-adjustable passenger seat seems to be European thing (likewise having a wheel to adjust the backrest instead of a lever).

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@TheLateBrakeShow gr 86 is lectric steering right? even on prius, why not have fixed presures hydrallic steering to allow knowin grip limit, ideally with a light to show how far from grip limit the car is when gettting bit close(for new driver enthisust), to allow minimal and steady braking and steering for effeincy and longveity even with regernatiev braking , because energy going in and out leads to batteyr degradation and the process preserves less energy than maintiang speed around the turn. a hydrallic electric peemptivly suspension stifensing accoridng to body roll as known by , maybe radiation supension compression level meter, can allow preserving more momentum around turns then soften things again for less bumpy ride, maybe it can be manual lever based, or at least just manual adjustible suspension likeon lc500 nd polestar. maybe inerter style j damper regernative suspension,FRIC, heave spring like in kyle engineers video, etc sort of stuff focused for effiency. rear seat facin the rear, flat maybe of of these can be AFTERMARKET stuff , but there isnt going to be demand unless media creates demand

[@AndyfromSurrey]

I would love at GT86 or GR86 unfortunately I need rear seats that fit adults. My daughter is a slender 5.2 & couldn’t get in with her equally small friend! I love that it’s old school, manual, proper handbrake, rear wheel drive & if I didn’t need to use it as a family car I would have bought one ages ago.

[@GazzUnseen]

Excellent review of a thoroughly impressive car. Would love to see how it fares on a track…

[@jaspal666]

The GR86 is offered in Japan with a base-spec RC model. Steel wheels and radio delete. Wish this was more available, on more cars, more regions.

[@-Lucky-Six-]

didnt they do that with the GT86 over there? i mean even less basically a track car you could just legally drive to your workshop, crappy bumpers etc knowing you would be stripping it down, absolute bare bone version

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

@@-Lucky-Six- yeah think so. Steel wheels, no radio (apparently quite common in Japan for lots of things as they like to fit whatever trick head units they prefer), unpainted bumpers, white paint. Think there might have been some more bits missing from the inside. Just ready to have the tuning catalogue thrown at it.

[@jaspal666]

@@-Lucky-Six- I believe they did. At least I see it on my Gran Turismo 6! 😂😂

[@shiraz1736]

There’s just to many so called safety features these days, just put all that money into the best crash compliant chassis.

[@ncmartinez_his]

Yes. We need more analog cars.

[@briananthony4044]

Sounds okay, as long as it's quiet at steady speed. Many owners will still make them louder with after market exhausts. Love the analogue controls and handbrake. It's designed for singles, couples, and couples with young kids. When the kids get older, compliment with a people mover.

[@AbrahamArthemius]

To be fair, nearly every car nowadays is quiet (even the sporty ones) because of regulation stuff happening in the background.

[@funkyfin3023]

One of the cars I’d take out for a run just for the sake of it. What’s your feeling on smile on your face factor, this or the Grrr Yaris?

[@rallycrosscraig]

Great update you’ve nailed the description of this new car - I feel like I’ve been out for a drive in one! Thanks

[@jacko791]

Grrrrr! Did they name them that because their main aim is to frustrate you that you can't actually buy one? I'm on the reserve list for one of these, have also been on the waiting list for a gr Yaris for over 18 months. They keep sending me emails just to tease me but every time you open them they're just promotional material about the gr Yaris. Surely the GR promotional department shouldn't exist

[@EdgyNumber1]

I can tell you now, the 2.4 CAN BE used in the GT84. All late Subaru powertrains are modular. Subaru hasn't got huge moneybags so any way to reduce their costs is a big deal. I'd be interested to see of a AWD conversion would be possible though.

[@ruscaryt4480]

The thing I just don't get is the positioning of the Supra. A $50000+ 2-seater Toyota? They should have added back seats for it, and just made it bigger. which would have made the value more appealing and would have stayed true to Supra history. I know it's made alongside the z4 which makes adding back seats difficult, but they shrunk it too much. If they started with a new, bigger platform, which would have been more expensive, they would have seen much better sales results and it truly would have been the continuation of an icon. Maybe even a great competitor for sports coupes like the 911 and M4. The GR86/BRZ is now fantastic value and a better car overall because of that missed opportunity.

[@jaxonstechchannel8286]

Why do I watch this, I already own one Maybe because it’s an excellent review

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

And we appreciate it. Thank you.

[@johnmcreynolds5299]

Hey J I’ve owned my GT 86 for 5 years or so! Done a few mods,the tyres are the best starting point! Pilot Sports4/5s are the ones to go for! Fantastic car and not expensive to maintain! Use premium fuel and it goes great, as for the torque dip….. just drive it hard and you’ll not notice it!!!! Love mine and love new one too!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 3:26 😊

[@ckim420]

Good to see Johnny Smith! I haven't seen him since Fifth Gear!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Welcome to the channel. He's made a few videos in the last few years!

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Half the price of the new lotus. Kerching, I'll have a brand new KTM Superduke R a nd 2 or 3 holidays in Barbados on top please

[@robertsedgwick1629]

but it isn't really a toyoyo though is it?😁

[@TassieLorenzo]

It's a Subaru (with some Toyota bits like the diff, gearbox and fuel injection system), for people who love Subaru! 😁

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

No, the biggest issue with the GR86 is the terrible RTV sealant clogging up the oil pickup tube problem. It's a massive issue that still Toyota has not solved.

[@Eden-NoEye]

Where can I get the conversions of brilliant units like the British gallon MPG?????

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Another fantastic episode Johnny, great to see a new car that's got a manual gearbox and set up to be a drivers car instead of technology everywhere.

[@timlewis5527]

Looks a little boring on paper but the positive reviews run contrary to that. I hope that GR release a higher performance version.

[@TheDiskinsDoEverything]

If you can’t get a Gr86, don’t sleep on the BRZ, it is equally fantastic. No matter what you do, get a subwoofer installed, it changes the whole experience.

[@PhineasPhlob]

16:13 Jonny demos the cupholders

[@goc6451]

It's hideous looking, oh my god what were they thinking. 0% aggressiveness, It may aswel be a Renault megane.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

You could counter that argument with the fact that even an Aygo and Picanto is trying to look aggressive these days. Are aggressive car designs a bit old hat?

[@goc6451]

@@TheLateBrakeShow for me absolutely not, a performance car that's built for attacking the road/track needs those aggressive looks to match, It's part of the magic of its story in my opinion. Looking at the performance Toyota's through history and you can see in their design that there was something special about them, The gr Yaris accomplished this I think, definitely a statement. The 86 is actually special but it's looks completely betray that. it's a shame because it's a cool car.

[@davejolaurencharlie]

1994? 32 Years? I would read the bills from this company very carefully.

[@jimiverson3085]

I'd love to see Toyota take the version they are testing with the 3-cyliner GR Yaris engine and put it into production. It would have just enough more power and torque to be interesting and I have seen assertions that the 3-cyliner is lighter than the flat-4. Taking a bit of weight out of the front of the car should put that extra spice in the handling. And I am also among those who don't care for the noises the flat-4 makes.

[@beachboy0505]

Amazing car, good review 👏

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

A stick to make the handbrake operate? What is this witchery?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We don't know, but we bloody like it.

[@jholmes_]

Own a turbo'd 2015 GT86 and collecting the GR on Thursday.

[@JamesDOConnor1916]

Good man johnny great work as always sir I love this car and your videos keep up the great work much respect 🙏

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Jamie

[@mygooseshrine]

The average person wont be able to afford the GR86 because Toyota wants to keep it exclusive so that the price can inflate, same applies to the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Sucks to be a car enthusiast born the 2000s.

[@mattmorris2867]

Jonnys just got to grow that beard and he’ll look like a car mandarin. He’s already got the walking encyclopaedia thing.

[@beachamgroup2482]

Toyota seem to have the pricing bang on and giving people what they want. Tempted to spend my pension lump sum on a GT Yaris.

[@benvg]

I like slow cars, I think my 2002 civic is fast enough, would I also think the gt86 is too slow? I often wonder if it's all about expectations.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Is it the 2002 EP3 CivicType R? They should be about the same in a straight line as the GT86, maybe closer to the new one if it's the JDM version with more power.