As the autumn of 2025 approaches, Toyota is preparing to inject an extra dose of vibrancy into its sports car lineup with the announcement of the special edition GR86 Yuzu Edition for the 2026 model year.
Revealed on April 3rd, this new variant not only pays nostalgic homage to a memorable predecessor, the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0, but also raises the bar in terms of style and performance.
The soul of this special edition lies in its exclusive Yuzu Yellow exterior color, a vibrant hue that evokes citrus energy and uniqueness. Built upon the already well-equipped GR86 Premium base, the Yuzu Edition further distinguishes itself with its 18-inch matte black wheels, an elegant contrast that extends to other darkened details throughout the body, lending it an even more assertive presence on the road.
The interior mirrors the exterior's boldness, presenting an environment dominated by black, punctuated by yellow accents that underscore the exclusivity of this version. The sports seats, a central element of the driving experience, are upholstered in black Ultrasuede® with yellow perforations, a touch of sporty refinement. The same yellow stitching appears on the steering wheel, the parking brake handle, and the door panels, creating a cohesive and engaging atmosphere for both driver and passenger.
But the Yuzu Edition is not limited to aesthetics. Toyota has elevated performance by including standard Brembo® brakes, renowned for their superior stopping power, and SACHS® dampers, which provide additional stability without sacrificing the agility that has made the GR86 so beloved by enthusiasts. For those seeking even more personalization and expressiveness, Toyota will offer optional accessories such as a cat-back exhaust system with silver tips bearing the GR logo and a body kit with a distinctive design.
For the 2026 model year, the GR86 will be available in three distinct trim levels: the base GR86, the GR86 Premium, and this special Yuzu Edition. All versions will retain the option of a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission, powered by the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, capable of delivering 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, promising an exhilarating driving experience.
The arrival of the GR86, including the coveted Yuzu Edition, at Toyota dealerships is scheduled for the fall of 2025. However, the exclusivity of the Yuzu Edition will be a determining factor, with only 860 units destined for the North American market for the 2026 model year.
A Driving Philosophy
The essence of every vehicle bearing the GR emblem lies in a design and engineering philosophy focused on performance and driving pleasure. The GR86 embodies this idea. The Performance Package, available for the GR86 and GR86 Premium versions and standard on the Yuzu Edition, integrates powerful Brembo® brakes and sophisticated SACHS® dampers. The latter, filled with high-pressure nitrogen and oil, have been meticulously designed to absorb vibrations across a wide range of speeds, maximizing tire contact with the ground and providing firm and precise steering without compromising driving comfort. The Brembo® braking system features red four-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear, biting into generously sized ventilated discs (12.8 x 1.3 inches at the front and 12.4 x 0.79 inches at the rear).
Lightness and Agility
Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the base version with a manual transmission and 2,851 pounds for the automatic model, the GR86 stands out as one of Toyota's lightest sports cars. The use of aluminum in the hood, front fenders, and roof panel significantly contributes to weight reduction. Details such as the application of structural adhesives in the body and lighter seats compared to the previous generation 86 demonstrate Toyota's attention to weight optimization for maximum control.
The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine, the heart of the GR86, delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, with a power curve tuned to make peak torque available at 3700 RPM, resulting in a responsive and rewarding driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in just 6.1 seconds in the 6-speed manual version and in 6.6 seconds with the six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). Regardless of the transmission chosen, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential, which optimizes traction when cornering.
Enthusiasts of sporty driving will particularly appreciate the GR86's 6-speed manual transmission, which allows for complete control over gear changes. With the simple push of a button, drivers can activate Track mode or deactivate Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) for a more visceral experience. In the automatic version, additional clutch discs and a high-capacity torque converter ensure smooth delivery of the engine's increased power and torque.
Sporting Heritage and Track Passion
To bear the coveted GR emblem, Toyota GAZOO Racing sports cars undergo a rigorous track testing process, supervised by Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, and the team's drivers and engineers. Toyota GAZOO Racing actively collaborates with ROOKIE Racing in various endurance and touring car competitions, such as the Super Taikyu in Japan, using feedback from racing to refine technologies and improve their production vehicles.
Public sale prices and detailed specifications for all versions will be revealed by Toyota closer to the launch date. Toyota's commitment to motorsport is also evident in the offer of a free one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) for owners of GR vehicles.