Toyota NZ is keeping it simple with the new-gen of its compact coupe.

DESIGNED to deliver even more driving fun than the hugely-respected original, delivering in just one level of design, with the only choice being transmission preference.

This from Toyota New Zealand today with confirmation the second generation of the rear-drive 86 coupe, which becomes a GR model by virtue of now being wholly in the hands of the Gazoo Racing sub-brand, will be here in September, with pricing and full specification yet to be disclosed.

The model that in its first evolution delivered across a span of trim levels and badges is a simple choice now: It’s simply the GR86, with a six-speed transmission, in manual or automatic.

Toyota’s version follows in the tyre tracks of the second-generation Subaru BRZ, which won’t be sold new here. Subaru NZ has no interest in another BRZ-86 showdown, as occurred in the first year of the previous cars’ release, back in 2012.

Toyota’s car again runs a Subaru horizontally-opposed engine, but now in 2.4-litre capacity and making maximum power of 174kW presented at 7000rpm and top torque of 250Nm, coming on at 7400rpm.

That’s a healthy increase over the maximum outputs from previous car, a 2.0-litre. The makers quote 11 percent more power and 15 percent more torque. That shows in the 0-100kmh time of 6.3 seconds, claimed of course for the manual. The previous model delivered in 7.4s.

The engine has direct injection but forget about a turbocharger; that feature is purely for a North America-only Subaru, the Ascent sports utility, from which this engine is more or less plucked.

Toyota says producing optimal grunt at high revs is all part of the fun, but adds the engine’s responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from “low to high rpms.”

The auto transmission now has a Sport function. The GR also gets the vehicle stability control system offering five settings now to alter the degree of skid-tastic fun.

Macpherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension also carries over and even though the chassis is thought to be an improved version of the current cars, the two generations are only identical in 1775mm width.

With a length of 4265mm, height of 1310mm and wheelbase of 2572mm, the GR 86 is 25mm longer, 13mm lower and 6mm longer in wheelbase than the predecessor.

Toyota has quoted a kerb weight of 1270kg (for the manual) and, like Subaru, reminds the car’s roof is now aluminium to bring down the centre of gravity. Aluminum front wings, updated front seats and mufflers contribute to reduced weight.

Body rigidity has been improved, with the goal of offering pleasurable handling in all speed ranges—from urban driving to the upper limits of performance, the maker says. Torsional rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 50 percent over the previous model for greater steering stability.

Toyota says the GR86’s shape and aerodynamics have benefitted from the previous model’s immersion into motorsports, such as Toyota NZ’s GR86 (nee TR86) series.

“The GR 86 features aerodynamic components seen on 86 models that participate in motorsports. These include air outlets, side sill spoilers, and other parts that improve steering responsiveness and stability.”

Toyota says the car’s interior and exterior designs embrace responsive handling and functional beauty and that the model boasts a stance distinctive of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Its low, horizontal underbody and narrow cabin rear combine to create a broad, low-centre-of-gravity appearance.

The cabin design is all about ensuring the driver can concentrate on driving. There’s a new seven-inch display screen whose opening animation sequence is “inspired by the piston movements of the horizontally opposed engine, and fosters a sense of excitement even before the drive begins.”

Only the automatic GR86 picks up Subaru’s Eyesight driver assist technology, which include pre-collision safety technologies that help avoid or reduce collision impacts. As per the manual WRX, the system cannot be delivered with a manual box.

A total of more than 200,000 first generation 86s have been sold worldwide. The New Zealand market count is not known, but it has an enthusiast club and, of course, is well-represented on track.

Steve Prangnell, TNZ’s general manager for product and new vehicles, says Toyota Gzoo Racing is now well established here as the marque for Toyota motorsport activities and motorsport-influenced sports cars.

“The new GR86 carries that racing heritage we have developed over 60 years, into a street version that is built for a thrilling driving experience,” he says.

“By bringing car development into the world of motorsport, the demanding conditions of racing allow Toyota Gazoo Racing to hone both race and roadgoing vehicles. The GR86 is a car for drivers who enjoy the journey more than arriving at the destination.”