2027 Toyota GR86 revealed for the US – improved shift feel, updated throttle calibration, new Thunder paint

For the 2027 model year, the Toyota GR86 receives a series of updates in the United States meant to further improve driver engagement. Along with aesthetic changes, the updated sports car is expected to arrive at dealerships in the summer of this year.

To no one’s surprise, the GR86 sees no changes to its powertrain, with a 2.4 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer petrol engine continuing to deliver 231 PS (228 hp) and 249 Nm of torque. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential.

How the torque is delivered has been revised though, with Toyota saying its engineers have refined the car’s throttle calibration for a smoother, more linear response. Additionally, the chamfer of the shifter interlock between fourth and fifth gear has been widened by approximately 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) for improved shift feel.

The GR86 continues to be offered in base and Premium trims in the US, both of which can be optioned with the returning Performance Package. This adds on a Brembo brake package that includes red-painted four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers that clamp down on 325 mm and 315 mm rotors respectively. The package also includes Sachs dampers for better handling.

On the visual front, the 2027 model year sees the addition of a new Thunder exterior colour, which is described as a solid grey that allegedly shifts depending on the light. Inside, there’s a newly available Cockpit Red interior with red touches on the seat side bolsters, floor mats and door cards – a black interior option is also offered.

Premium cars get a cast iron black finish on several interior touchpoints, including the switches, knobs and shifter, while the base trim receives six-way adjustable black GR-embossed fabric seats with side bolsters.

A less enthusiast-oriented change involves the stereo camera system used for the car’s ADAS, which has nearly double the recognition range to improve detection of preceding vehicles when using cruise control. A monocular camera is also added to help detect nearby objects at intersections.

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