UMW Toyota has launched the Toyota GR86 in Malaysia, priced from RM 295,000 for the 6-speed manual to RM 305,000 for the 6-speed automatic variant. Like its predecessor, the Toyota GR86 is fully imported (CBU) from Japan.

Let’s start with the powertrain, it gets a 2.4-litre boxer engine (FA24) that makes 237 PS/250 Nm (37 PS and 45 Nm more than the FA20 in the first generation 86), mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Both transmissions have been updated to accommodate the increased power and improved shift feel for the manual.

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The FA24 gains that power through increasing the bore (94 mm) of its predecessor, the FA20 (86 mm). Consequently, FA24's displacement means it sits higher up in the road tax and import/duty tax bracket than before.

Drive is sent exclusively to the rear wheels (RWD) with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential. 0-100 km/h acceleration time is rated at 6.3 seconds for the manual and 6.8 seconds for the automatic.

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Like its predecessor, the suspension comprises of MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear.

Lateral rigidity has been increased with additional braces and increased use of high tensile strength steel. Spring rates and shock damping have been optimised for the updated chassis.

As for the exterior, there are functional air vents on the sides of the front bumper and on the front fenders behind the rear wheels, plus the rear wheel arch fins to control airflow and ensure steering stability. Wheels are 18-inch items wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubbers.

Inside, the layout remains a driver-centric place. In front of the driver now sits a 7-inch, fully-digital instrument panel, with animations that pay homage to its horizontally-opposed (boxer) engine.

Over to the centre stack, there’s an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

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Safety wise, there are 7 airbags along with a host of passive systems ABS, EBD, and VSC. The 6-speed automatic variant gets ADAS with Pre-Crash System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Customers are able to choose between 4 exterior colours for the Toyota GR86 - Ignition Red, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Magnetic Gray Metallic.

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