A new, third-generation Toyota GR86 is expected to arrive around 2028 with a mild-hybrid system, but until then, Toyota isn’t ignoring the current, second-generation sports car, with a slew of updates announced for the 2027 model year, both inside and out. The majority of the upgrades are aimed at the keen enthusiast, with Toyota not only offering a new performance package with upgraded brakes and suspension, but also providing improvements to all GR86s in the throttle and transmission departments. Let’s take a closer look at the mechanical changes and then discuss color and trim updates.
2027 Toyota GR86 Promises Better Engagement with Latest Updates
As before, the GR86 is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, and it still delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through your choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, whether you order a base with fabric upholstery or a Premium model with Ultrasuede and leather (the Yuzu Edition is not available after 2026, but we expect a special edition will be offered later). However, Toyota says the throttle calibration has been updated for a “smoother, more linear response,” and the engineers have also improved the downshift from fifth to fourth by widening the chamfer of the shifter interlock between the two gears by approximately 0.02 inches to make slotting into the lower gear smoother during “spirited driving.” In other words, you should be able to get away with more brutal gear changes.
The changes aren’t limited only to driving pleasure, but also driving safety, with the recognition range of the stereo camera almost doubling in the updated model, improving the detection of vehicles ahead of the car when using cruise control. Toyota also added a monocular camera to help detect nearby objects at intersections. But enough of what’s standard – let’s talk about those new options.
New Options and Colors for 2027 Toyota GR86
The 2027 GR86 now gets access to a Performance Package, regardless of which trim you start with, and this adds SACHS Dampers and Brembo brakes with red-painted four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers married to 12.8-inch front and 12.4-inch rear discs. That should mean better control through the corners and greater confidence in the braking zones. For the cosmetically conscious, there’s a new Thunder exterior paint finish for the body, likely replacing either Pavement or Steel from the 2026 palette. Inside, a Cockpit Red cabin option mixes red leather side bolsters, red floor mats, and red door accents with black Ultrasuede, but those wanting something a little more restrained can have an all-black interior.
Pricing for the 2027 model year and its Performance Package has not yet been announced, as the updated sports car is only due in the summer, but we’ll likely hear whether the 2026 model’s base MSRP of $31,400 has changed in the next few weeks. If you’re not too fussy about having the latest and greatest, Toyota is trying to shift inventory for the 2026 model year with attractive lease deals, and we suspect most dealers will have competitive pricing as they try to clear their floors for the summer.
Â
