Is the Toyota GR86 AWD?
No, the Toyota GR86 is not an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle. The GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports car developed in collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.
Detailed Overview of the Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is a compact, lightweight sports car that was introduced in 2021 as the successor to the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S models. It is designed to provide an engaging and dynamic driving experience, with a focus on balance, handling, and driver involvement.
One of the key features of the GR86 is its rear-wheel-drive layout, which is a departure from the all-wheel-drive configuration of many modern sports cars. This rear-wheel-drive setup, combined with the car's low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, gives the GR86 exceptional handling characteristics and a pure, connected driving feel.
Why the GR86 is Not AWD
The decision to keep the GR86 as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle was a deliberate one by the Toyota and Subaru engineering teams. They wanted to maintain the classic sports car driving dynamics that made the previous 86/FR-S models so popular, rather than opting for an all-wheel-drive system.
- Rear-wheel-drive layout provides a more engaging and responsive driving experience, with better weight balance and a more direct connection between the driver's inputs and the car's behavior.
- All-wheel-drive systems add weight and complexity, which can detract from the GR86's lightweight, nimble character.
- Rear-wheel-drive is a better match for the GR86's naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine, which produces a linear and predictable power delivery.
While an all-wheel-drive version of the GR86 may have provided improved traction and all-weather capability, the Toyota and Subaru teams prioritized the pure, engaging driving dynamics that have made the 86/FR-S models so beloved by enthusiasts.
Is the 2025 Toyota GR86 AWD?
A diminutive coupe with comically tiny rear seats, a 228-hp flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission, the GR86 walks a straight path through a world built on compromise.
Is the GR86 good for snow?
Very capable snow performance with Proper Winter Tires ❄️ These cars are incredibly capable on snow & ice, provided they have proper winter tires. The limited-slip differential plays a huge role in winter performance.
Why is GR86 being discontinued?
The Toyota GR86 is being discontinued in some markets, particularly Europe, due to new safety regulations that would require major, costly redesigns to comply. While there were also initial concerns about emissions regulations in Japan, the primary reason for the discontinuation in regions like Europe was the inability of the current design to meet new safety standards without significant changes. However, a new third-generation model is expected to be developed and will likely be a hybrid.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- New safety regulations: Upcoming European safety regulations, such as Euro NCAP's General Safety Regulation 2, are the main reason for the discontinuation.
- Cost and engineering challenges: To meet these new standards, the GR86 would need to be completely re-engineered, which is not economically viable for a low-volume sports car like the GR86.
- Impact on design: Compliance with the new regulations would detrimentally affect the car's dynamic and performance-oriented character.
- Vehicle compatibility: The current GR86 design, particularly the windscreen, is reportedly incompatible with new technology required by the new safety rules, such as traffic light recognition systems.
- Market-specific issue: This issue is primarily affecting the European market, where the car will be discontinued in 2024. Other markets may be less affected or have a slightly different timeline.
- Manual vs. Automatic: In some markets, like Australia, the manual versions may be discontinued if they cannot be fitted with the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which is not equipped on manual versions of the car.
Future outlook
- Third-generation model: The discontinuation does not signal the end of the GR86 nameplate. Toyota is reportedly moving forward with developing a third-generation model, possibly under its own in-house development team without Subaru's collaboration.
- New powertrain: The new model is rumored to have an electrified, turbocharged powertrain.
Is the Toyota 86 4 wheel drive?
Rear-wheel drive
A true sports car, GR86 sends power to the rear wheels for optimal handling and steering.
