Toyota has revealed plans to upgrade one of Australia’s most popular and affordable sports cars with its GR86 set to benefit from suspension, engine and steering improvements along with the addition of a new limited-edition model in Q4.

The current model GR86 was launched in 2022 and is a popular choice for enthusiast drivers thanks to its sporty styling, responsive 174kW/250Nm 2.4-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and sporty rear-drive handling characteristics, optimised by fitment of a limited-slip Torsen rear diff.

Toyota will be hoping the MY25 updates, including the introduction of a new Limited Edition variant, will boost sales of the dynamic sports coupe, which is one of the brand’s hero models.

The Toyota coupe is currently tied for second place in the sub-$80,000 sports car category with Mazda’s evergreen MX-5, with its technical doppelganger the Subaru BRZ taking top step on the podium with a 36% segment share versus just under 20% for both the GR86 and MX-5.

The GR86’s MY25 changes include retuning of the dampers, electric power steering and engine and throttle control to deliver greater response and feel, especially for track days and motorsport activities.

Toyota says changes to the coupe’s damper characteristics are designed to deliver a better sense of contact with the road, while the electric power steering has been re-tuned to provide improved feel at higher speeds.

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Manual versions of the GR86 also benefit from engine torque and throttle control changes, designed to provided more direct response to accelerator pedal input.

For automatic versions, the engine-speed tolerance range during downshifting has been expanded, enabling sportier driving across a wider torque band.

The upgraded model will arrive alongside a Limited Edition GR86, of which there’ll be just 86 examples available.

Based on the top-of-the-range GR86 GTS, the GR86 Limited Edition features a unique Forest Shadow exterior colour, bespoke 18-inch bronze alloy wheels, and an upgraded suspension and brake package.

The new variant features as standard the Dynamic Performance Pack that is an $2200 option on the GR86 GTS, adding ZF Sachs sports dampers and Brembo brakes.

The Brembo brake package adds four-piston calipers on the front and two-piston calipers on the rear, replacing the standard GTS’ two-piston front/single-piston rear setup.

Inside, the new variant boasts stylish black and tan Ultrasuede and leather-accented upholstery and trim.

Toyota has not yet released pricing for the updated model but the current range starts with the GR86 GT at $43,240, rising to $45,390 for the GR86 GTS.

Expect the updates to bring a modest price rise to the regular range, while the Limited Edition variant with Dynamic Performance Pack as standard is likely to edge closer to the $50,000 mark.

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