Still Legendary at 40: Toyota’s AE86 tribute, the GR86 40th Anniversary Limited
Everyone knows that the GR86 was inspired by the AE86. So much so that Toyota gave the GR a special Trueno Edition earlier this year. But there’s something bigger to celebrate than this being a modern iteration of the tofu-transporting soy product-delivering drift machine, and that’s the fact that the Hachi-Roku or the “86” is 40 years old this year. With that, it gets a new and yet another limited release, the 40th Anniversary Limited. Let’s have a look at what makes this as special as its 40-year legacy.
The AE86 is, in fact, 40 years old, and the GR86 is celebrating 4 decades of the Hachi-Roku legend
Photo: Toyota
Contrary to what many might know, the AE86 was first released by Toyota in 1983, not in 1986. But that is forgivable as it’s easy to relate it to its chassis code. But with that tidbit out of the way, let’s now move on to its new, more modern platform, the Gazoo-fied GR86 RZ variant. The Hachi-Roku became a legend because of its performance value – quite astronomical in the hands of a very capable driver like Keiichi Tsuchiya – so it’s but fitting that the 40th Anniversary Limited be based on the GR, yes?
Photo: Toyota
Improvements to the base GR86 come by way of safety features, two specific colors with special decals, specially marked interior upholstery and pieces, Brembo brakes, and SACHS shock absorbers.
Yes, this is very much another predominantly aesthetically-driven special edition, but don’t knock on it just yet. The true value of the 40th Anniversary Limited is that only 200 of them will ever be made!
Photo: Toyota
Moving on to specifics, EyeSight will come on the manual transmission-equipped RZ variant. This alongside the Blind Spot Monitor will both be standard equipment.
As for performance, Toyota says that the GR86 40th Anniversary Limited will have “improved driving stability and safety performance during cornering by optimizing VSC control”. The throttle has likewise been re-tuned for better controllability and response, and of course, handling is further improved by the SACHS shock absorbers in all four corners. Stopping power is provided by no less than Brembo ventilated discs.
The two available colors are Spark Red or Crystal White Pearl, and the 40th Anniversary Limited means your GR86 will come with the aforementioned special decals. The interior also stands out from other variants of the 86 with its black and red motif with 40th Anniversary embroidery and the 40th anniversary GR floor mat set.
Photo: Toyota
Orders for the GR86 40th Anniversary Limited will be accepted from September 22 until November 1, 2023, with an advanced selling period from September 25 to October 9 at select Gazoo Racing garages. It is also set to be previewed at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) booth at Fuju 86/BRZ Style 2023 scheduled to be held at the Fuji Speedway on September 24. As we mentioned, only 200 will be made and official selling – if they haven’t been sold out yet – is seen to commence in February next year.
So here’s the catch, after all this information, the Toyota GR86 40th Anniversary Limited is a Japan-only release. That’s right, this will be another unicorn of an 86 that we fangirls and fanboys can only gawk at and ogle through pictures on the internet. Boo hoo, too bad, so sad, isn’t it? But as with all other special releases, who knows? Maybe some miracle will see one or two rich individuals actually bring one in.
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Toyota GR86 40th Anniversary Limited Photos
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
