Toyota 86 “GRMN” Limited Edition Debuts – 100 Units for Enthusiasts in Japan

By Steve & Tamami Laser

There’s good news from Toyota and its GAZOO Racing Division in Japan for fans of the 86 sports coupe (also known as the GT86 in Europe and Scion FR-S in the U.S.). A specially modified performance version of the car, dubbed 86 “GRMN,” will be offered in a limited edition release of just 100 units for the Japanese market.

Toyota says customers can apply to order the vehicle in Japan from January 4-22, 2016, with deliveries expected to begin on February 1. (Unfortunately buyers outside of Japan appear to be out of luck.) The car is scheduled to be displayed at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month. At the previous show, Toyota and GAZOO offered the Mark X “GRMN” limited edition sport sedan for Japan.

Specs quoted for the 86 “GRMN” upgraded 2.0-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine with DS4 direct-injection are 161KW (219PS) @ 7,300 rpm, and 217 Nm (21.2 kgf-m) torque at 5,200 rpm. (Approximately 215 horsepower and 160 lb.-ft.). Brakes are listed as 6-pot opposed monoblock calipers up front and 4-pot in the rear. Front 17×7 alloy wheels are shod with 215/40R17 83W tires while the rears are 17×8 with 235/40R17 90W.

While that’s not a huge increase in output from the regular models, Toyota says the 86 “GRMN” takes advantage of knowledge gained through endurance racing at the 24 hours Nürburgring to enhance the “sports car feel” of the limited production model.

In addition to intake and exhaust system modifications, low-friction internal engine components are said to improve engine responsiveness. A close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox is standard.

Lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is used for the hood, trunk and roof panel, while the rear window is made of thermoplastic resin (polycarbonate). Other mods include improved body rigidity, dedicated suspension tuning, and performance brakes and tires.

On the outside, the rear spoiler and aero components such as the front spoiler and bumper with side fins are also made of CFRP. The car will be offered in White Pearl Crystal only with contrasting black panels, while the interior is dressed in shades of black and red.

Toyota says the model will be delivered as a complete car. The 86 “GRMN” will be specially modified at Toyota’s Motomachi factory beginning with partially completed cars from Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (The 86 and its variations as well as Subaru’s own BRZ cousin are built at Fuji’s Gunma plant.)

Enthusiasts can see the 86 “GRMN” at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2016, Japan’s legendary custom-car exhibition, in January at Makuhari Messe, in Chiba.