What is the new name of the Toyota 86?
The new name is GR86. Toyota's sports coupe, formerly marketed as the Toyota 86, has been rebranded under the Gazoo Racing umbrella to GR86 as part of Toyota's performance branding strategy.
Background: From Toyota 86 to GR86
In the second-generation rollout, Toyota shifted the model's branding from Toyota 86 (and GT86 in some markets) to GR86 to align with Gazoo Racing's broader performance lineup. The GR86 is a product of the Toyota-Subaru partnership, sharing engineering and platform with the Subaru BRZ. The change reflects Toyota's strategy to unify performance models under the GR badge, a move seen across other models like the GR Supra and GR Yaris.
Rationale behind the name
The GR prefix signals Gazoo Racing's involvement and emphasizes performance-oriented engineering and handling. By renaming the 86 to GR86, Toyota aims to clarify the car's role as an entry-point sports coupe within the brand's performance family, rather than a standalone model line.
Here are the key branding changes associated with the GR86 name:
- Rebranding the second-generation 86 as GR86 under Toyota's Gazoo Racing umbrella.
- Maintaining collaboration with Subaru on platform and engineering; the GR86 shares its underpinnings with the Subaru BRZ.
- Updating styling and chassis tuning to align with GR performance characteristics.
- Offering transmission choices (manual and automatic) with tuning to enhance driving engagement.
In summary, the GR86 branding marks Toyota's broader strategy to fold its sports cars into the Gazoo Racing family, signaling performance intent across markets.
Current branding by region
Across major markets, the car is marketed under the GR86 name as part of Toyota's global branding strategy, with signage and literature emphasizing the Gazoo Racing lineage. Some historic materials may still refer to it informally or in older references as the 86, but the official name in showrooms and brochures is GR86.
- Official name in most markets: GR86 (no space, no hyphen).
- Package and option levels reflect regional specifications, but all carry the GR86 branding.
- Related model lineup continues to include other GR models (e.g., GR Supra) under the same Gazoo Racing umbrella.
For buyers and fans, the change is primarily branding rather than a fundamental shift in performance or handling characteristics. The car remains a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.
What buyers should know
Here are practical takeaways for anyone considering the GR86 or curious about the rename:
- The GR86 is the renamed version of the Toyota 86 under the Gazoo Racing umbrella.
- It remains a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe designed for balanced handling and approachable performance.
- Recent model years emphasize the GR branding and ongoing refinements to chassis, suspension, and interior features.
The shift to GR branding reflects Toyota's broader strategy to unify performance vehicles under the Gazoo Racing banner, signaling a clear performance-forward identity while preserving the car's lightweight, driver-focused character.
Summary
The new name of the Toyota 86 is GR86. This rebranding places the car within Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance family, aligning its identity with other GR models and signaling a continued focus on driver engagement and accessible, fun-to-drive performance. Through collaboration with Subaru and ongoing refinements, the GR86 remains a cornerstone for enthusiasts seeking a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a modern edge.
When did GT86 become GR86?
2022-2023 Toyota 86 2nd Gen
The 2022+ model years saw Toyota GR86's redesign hit the market (now actually called the GR86 for the first time) on updated underpinnings but with a new body and a far more powerful 228-hp 2.4L flat-four engine.
Are the 86 and BRZ the same?
Is the Toyota GR86 the same as the Subaru BRZ? The Toyota GR86 is a more aggressive-looking, slightly lighter version of the Subaru BRZ that offers more trim levels and exclusive perks like a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership6 and a High-Performance Driving Experience.
What is the name of the Toyota 86?
And Levven respectively however in the UK. We only got the hatchback. 11 while other cars chase speed and power the Little86 was praised for its dynamics.
Is Toyota making a new 86?
LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 3, 2025) – For 2026, the Toyota sports car lineup is getting brighter with the GR86 Yuzu Edition. This vibrant exterior color is a nod to a memorable special edition of GR86's predecessor, the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0.
