Special celebrates 10 years since type revealed. Website message suggests the NZ allocation is already spoken for.

ALLOCATION of 10 examples of the latest GR86, a variant designed to celebrate the Toyota sports coupe’s decade of existence, seems likely to make it a far more select choice locally than in other recipient markets – and chances are anyone interested now is too late.

At $59,900 in either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the GR86 10th Anniversary Edition holds a $3000 premium over the standard car, which only released at end of last year and is also a rare sight, with fewer than a dozen in the initial shipment.

The car’s limited provision has continued with Toyota New Zealand’s website indicating that anyone wanting any kind of GR86 now will be buying from the 2024 allocation.

The on-site brand message for the special car, only unveiled yesterday, is the same as for regular types, and reads: “Availability of this model is limited and subject to global allocation. 2023 orders are now closed. Register your interest for 2024 models at your local Toyota Store. Specification, images and price are indicative only.”

Since covid hit the world three years ago, constraints have ecome commonplace and often relate to build restrictions at factory level.

But that might not be the only reason this time – after all, Australia is taking 86 examples of this special model.

What also keeps GR86 in check here in its emissions count.  In its commitment to reducing its fleet average in order to meet Government’s Clean Car goals, Toyota NZ has purposely throttled back on products that deliver high CO2 counts; basically, anything that doesn’t have electrified drivetrain.

The GR86’s Subaru-provisioned 2.4-litre boxer four’s WLTP-considered counts of 200 grams per kilometre for the manual and 199 for the automatic take it slightly above the point where penalties apply.

The difference between the celebration car and the stock item comes down to trim enhancements – there’s no suspension retune and the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine maintains the usual 174kW/ 250Nm outputs.

The most obvious immediately identifiable signature is the Solar Orange exterior paint scheme - a nod to the original "hachi roku" first revealed to the world in late 2011.

The orange theme is continued inside the vehicle, with contrast stitching applied to the steering wheel, handbrake lever and boot, shift boot, seats and door trim.

Orange stripe accents also appear on the suede/leather accented seats, while the inside of the door trims feature 10th Anniversary orange embroidery for a special touch.

The  silver instrument panel moulding has been changed to black for a stealthier look.

It has 18-inch black alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, aluminium pedals, an 8.0-inch multimedia display, 7.0-inch multi-information display and two-zone automatic climate control.

Five different vehicle stability control settings are also available ranging from full support to being completely switched off, for those who plan to take their GR86 to track days.

Toyota New Zealand had an example of the Anniversary car at this weekend’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, an annual owner appreciation event it holds, this year at Highlands Park circuit at Cromwell. Only favoured media and influencers were invited.