The 2022 Toyota GR 86 just arrived as a highly anticipated new model for the more affordable end of the sports car segment. While we saw its mechanical sibling, the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota took its sweet time before breaking cover. As its name suggests, this new sports car is a product of Gazoo Racing, the Japanese carmaker’s sports car division.

While this brand-new Toyota might seem like a mirror image to its BRZ sibling, the Japanese carmaker took extra time with this new model to differentiate it. However, most of those changes will reportedly shine during a drive, not on paper.

How fast is the 2022 Toyota GR 86?

Under the 2022 Toyota GR 86’s hood, you’ll find a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine, replacing the older 2.0-liter engine. There is a modest 32-hp increase from 200 hp to 232 hp and 184 lb-ft. While this might seem like a small bump, it has a massive effect on performance. That’s because this new generation shaves the car’s 0-62 mph time from 7.4 to 6.3 seconds.

In terms of weight, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 tips the scales at around 2,800 lb. This marks a modest increase over the ongoing model, which weighed in around 2,776 lb. Regardless, this new sports car remains quite light amongst its competitors.

Thankfully, the 86’s footprint remains relatively small with a length of 167.9 in, a height of 51.5 in, and a width of 69.8 in. Despite the similar proportions, Toyota claims this new model has around 50 percent greater torsional rigidity. As a result, we won’t notice this car’s true improvements until we get it out on the road.

As standard, you still get a six-speed manual transmission, although an automatic option is available. You also get 18-inch wheels as standard covered in skinny 215/40 tires.

Its interior now gets digital screens all over

One abundantly clear improvement is the 2022 Toyota GR 86’s interior. The previous-gen model featured a tiny infotainment screen and only a partially digital instrument cluster. This new-gen, however, boasts a fully digital and configurable instrument cluster.

Additionally, you now get a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While this interior is still largely made out of plastic, this new layout brings some of the car’s exterior sharpness into the cabin. You still bucket seats as standard, which feature leather and suede trim.

In terms of safety, the automatic 2022 Toyota GR 86 gets Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist tech. This includes pre-collision technologies to help you avoid a crash.

How much will the 2022 Toyota GR 86 cost?

As of writing, we don’t know how much the 2022 Toyota GR 86 will cost or when it’ll go on sale in the U.S. However, we do know that it’ll go on sale in Japan relatively soon. From there, expect to see this car on the roads toward the end of 2021. In terms of cost, the previous-gen model had a $27,060 base price. Expect a marginal increase as this new generation hits dealerships across the country.