With new 2022 Toyota GR86s getting dropped off at dealerships any day now, there’s fresh buzz around its advancements and aftermarket support in the form of upgrades. The previous-generation 86/BRZ/FRS was a tuner’s dream, and we’re confident that this latest GR86/BRZ will be no different. One really neat improvement: Its power-to-weight ratio has improved significantly, in fact maybe even a little more than the official press release claimed.
In full disclosure: this past Wednesday, Toyota invited me to the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association’s (SEMA) headquarters in Diamond Bar, California to take part in the “2022 GR86 Measuring Session.” I got some free food and two-plus hours to ask questions and thoroughly examine the new 2022 GR86.
This event was a chance for media and aftermarket companies to do some in-depth poking around and measuring. Not just for stories like this, but to also get all the measurements needed to produce products like upgraded air intakes, exhaust systems, suspension parts, sway bars, shifters, exterior styling modifications, and more.
Anyway, I learned a few things that I wasn’t able to at the GR86‘s official press launch back in the Summer. Some of which are truly fascinating, such as the GR86 actually weighing less than advertised. Well, at least from a track engineering nerd’s perspective.
Real-Life Weight a Little Below the Factory-Claimed Curb Weight
The technical staff on hand took the liberty of weighing a manual transmission-equipped Base trim (Base MT) 2022 GR86 with a full tank of gas.
As advertised, the Base MT model comes in with a curb weight claim of 2,811 pounds. Technical advisors weighed this same spec and came up with 2,796 pounds, with a full tank of fuel. Since a gallon of gasoline is about 6.3 pounds and the GR86’s tank has a capacity of 13.2 gallons, fuel takes up about 80 pounds, in case you were wondering.
Typically curb weight includes fuel too (it should be ready-to-drive condition), so if the fuel level was identical in both weighing sessions, the car could be 15 pounds lighter than advertised. That’s not a huge weight difference in the grand scheme of life, but when we’re talking about a lower-powered lightweight vehicle, 15 pounds isn’t nothing. Especially considering that in a competitive environment such as time attack (or time trial, depending on who you’re competing with), competitors typically won’t run more than a couple of gallons per on-track session to get the most ideal power-to-weight ratio.
Not that we needed much more motivation to get excited about this car. A rear-wheel-drive, daily-friendly, and comfortable sports car that’s below 2,800 pounds with over 220 horsepower is frankly astonishing in this day and age. By comparison, the six-speed manual-equipped Hyundai Veloster N has 275 horsepower on tap but weighs over 300 pounds more.
Next Step: More Aftermarket Support
Then there’s the previous-gen 86. Its lightest spec came in at 2,776 pounds, as advertised, which is only 20 pounds less than what Toyota technical advisors discovered during the SEMA Measuring Session. Twenty-whole-pounds, yet the new model’s 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine produces a hearty 23 more horsepower and 28 more pound-feet of torque over the old generation’s 2.0, and without the dreaded torque dip that it was so immensely lambasted for.
I’m quite excited to see how things shake out for the new-generation Toyobaru. After feeling the difference between the two on track and on the street, and now getting a very in-depth look at its various updates and changes, it’ll be neat to see what the aftermarket comes up with. Certain things haven’t changed over the old generation, too, though in a good way. Enthusiasts will be able to pull aftermarket wheels, and some big-brake kits, off of their old 86/BRZ and bolt them right up to a brand-new one. To paraphrase what one technical advisor mentioned, enthusiasts/tuners will be stoked to continue using their old parts, which will enable them to throw plenty of money at new parts. To me, that translates to “sweet, I can use my old wheels, which means I’ve got more money for suspension mods!”
Also, I’m stoked to see what sort of lap times enthusiasts can set with the GR86/BRZ on racetracks around the world. Rest assured, this is an incredibly potent base for performance.
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