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.
