Toyota Reveals the New GR86 Yuzu Edition for 2026

For 2026, the Toyota sports car lineup will be adding the GR86 Yuzu Edition. The company says this vibrant exterior color is a nod to a memorable special edition of GR86’s predecessor, the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0.

Based on the GR86 Premium grade, the special edition will feature 18-inch matte-black wheels and other black accents throughout the vehicle. On the inside, the Yuzu Edition features a black interior with yellow accents, including black Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats with yellow perforation and yellow stitching on the steering wheel, parking brake handle and door trim.

An 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with a six-speaker audio system comes standard on the base grade and an eight-speaker system is standard on the Yuzu Edition and Premium grade.

Brembo Brakes improve stopping power and SACHS Dampers provide additional stability while preserving GR86’s trademark playfulness, officials stated in the press release. Customers can customize their vehicle by adding additional accessories like a cat-back exhaust with GR logoed silver-colored tips, and a body kit to the Yuzu Edition.

For the 2026 model year, the GR86 will be available in three grades: GR86, GR86 Premium and the GR86 Yuzu Edition. All grades will offer a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and will be powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

Fine-Tuning All GR86 Grades

Last year, the GAZOO Racing engineering team made updates to tuning. Some of the updates included revised throttle mapping to increase the ease of “blipping,” and additional engine torque control to provide a more direct throttle response and linearity to improve ease of control at all speeds. According to Toyota, all these updates will be carried over to the 2026 models

Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the manual-transmission-equipped base grade model, and at 2,851 pounds for the automatic transmission model, the GR86 is one of the lightest sports cars that Toyota develops, noted the press release. An aluminum hood, front fenders and roof panel help keep the weight down on the body. While details such as the use of structural adhesives in the frame and seats that are over six pounds lighter than the prior generation 86, help save ounces in the name of maximum control.

The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine is tuned so that peak torque arrives at 3,700 rpm. Zero-to-60 acceleration comes in at 6.1 seconds for the 6-speed manual transmission, and 6.6 seconds for the available six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT-i). With either transmission, the GR86 comes equipped with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for better traction while cornering.

GAZOO Racing Team Improved

To earn the GR badge, GR sport cars go through an intensive track testing process approved by Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, and the Toyota GAZOO Racing drivers and engineers. Toyota GAZOO Racing is working together with ROOKIE Racing to compete in various endurance and touring car races like the Super Taikyu in Japan to help provide insights and develop new technologies through motorsports. The team uses real-world competitive racing to develop the GR.

In 2023, Toyota GAZOO Racing North America developed the GR Cup single-make racing championship that features race-modified GR86s. The series provides an entry-level professional racing opportunity at a more affordable rate, allowing more drivers to compete and help them develop.

Toyota says that its commitment to motorsports is one of the many reasons why it also offers a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), giving GR owners the chance to experience the world of performance driving in an enclosed road course. Owners will enjoy several benefits, including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

The GR86 will arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2025. There will only be 860 Yuzu Editions assembled for the North American market for 2026.