Toyota GR86 Finally Gets Turbo, 300-Hp And Hefty Price Hike

Americans have been screaming for a turbocharged Toyota GT86 ever since the first generation rear-wheel-drive model was launched back in 2012. “We want more power,” was the cry from multiple media and fans. Toyota resisted then, and it’s still resisting now. You will not find a turbocharged GT86 in a Toyota showroom.

But when car customizers wanting to offer a more appealing GT86 and sports car fans wanting more power collide, you will inevitably get what the market wants—a turbocharged upgrade.

Only it’s not called ‘GT86’ anymore. Launched in 2021 and now in its second generation, the new model has taken on the name ‘GR86’ which signifies that its a specialized model designed and built by Toyota’s in-house racing arm Gazoo Racing. And once again, no, this version does not have a turbo simply because Toyota wants to keep this sporty coupe’s price hovering around $30,000 and in reach of young and more mature sports car lovers, or so says Gazoo.

That’s why Toyota left that significant modification process up to the dozens of car customizers ready and waiting to bolt on a turbo and upgrade the suspension and brakes necessary for the extra power. 

Enter TOM’S, one of Japan’s best known and most highly respected customizers, who deal exclusively with Toyota sports cars. At the recently staged 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan’s biggest car customizing show held in mid-January at the Makuhari Messe complex just east of Tokyo, TOM’S unveiled their ‘TOM’S GR86 Turbo’ proving that fully fitted ‘complete cars’ boasting more power and meaner aerokits are a definite possibility.

By taking the car’s stock 228-hp 2.4-liter Subaru-built boxer four-cylinder engine and attaching a turbo and intercooler to it boosts power to 300-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque according to a spokesperson for TOM’S. To elevate the car’s handling, rigidity, brakes and looks to the next level, TOM’S reinforced the frame, added height adjustable sports suspension, bigger 19-inch wheels and tires and bigger 4-piston calipers with bespoke rotors and brake pads. But to make an impact in the aesthetics department, TOM’S painted it bright orange, created bespoke front and rear diffusers, and added a rear trunk spoiler, flared front and rear fenders and a special front bumper. 

Those upgrades basically double the stock GR86’s $29,000 price tag to $59,000 putting it in 382-hp 3.0-liter GR Supra and 480-hp Mustang Mach 1 territory. So as we can see, the main reason why Toyota has not offered an official in-house turbocharged GR86 is to keep cost down. 

TOM’S has suppliers in countries including the U.S., Australia, Korea, Taiwan and Russia but as to whether these customized parts will be offered to its overseas partners is still under wraps.