Man, I Feel Like a Woman in the 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition

Still think high-performance sports cars are just for the guys? Well, these days, that's just not the case. With women comprising over half of the new car buying demographic, and considerably more than that being indirectly involved in vehicle purchasing decisions, the female opinion has become an influential voice in the diversified world of automobile manufacturing. Not all of those female opinions, however, are focused solely on kid-friendly seating options and excessive amounts of cargo space. Sometimes, a gal just wants to use her dainty, size 6, sneaker-clad foot to push the pedal to the metal. After all, there's something about experiencing the heart-thumping thrill of rapid acceleration that elicits highly addictive, endorphin-inducing exhilaration no matter who you are. The latest iteration of the Toyota GR86 strikes a balance between athleticism and grace by offering powerful performance for petite postures and appealing to a broad audience without sacrificing speed or agility. As lyrically stated by singer-songwriter Shania Twain, The best thing about bein' a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun ... and in the new Toyota GR86, Man, I feel like a woman.

Classic Retro Vibes

Make no mistake, there's a distinctly significant difference between collective girl power and an individually empowered girl. And for those of us who maintain a forward-thinking contemporary attitude coupled with an endearing appreciation for nostalgic styles of the past, the 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition combines a sentimental throwback spirit with an athletic modern design. The new GR86 TRUENO is a modern interpretation of the legendary AE86 Trueno, a car that became an icon in the 1980s for its lightweight design, balanced handling, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. It was notably the model of choice for Japanese Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya along with other rally, circuit, and touring racers who cemented the vehicle's reputation in motorsport. Now celebrating 40 years since the AE86 launch, the limited GR86 TRUENO Edition captures the spirit of the original AE86 and pays homage to its heritage by building on the legacy of the renowned drive model and incorporating all the advancements in automotive technology that have occurred over the past few decades.

Special Rarity Status

As one of three grades which also includes the base model that begins at just $29,300 MSRP along with the GR86 Premium starting at $31,900 MSRP, the GR86 TRUENO Edition features an AE86-inspired two-tone black hood and side-panel graphic in a choice of Halo and black or Track bRed and black as well as a unique limited-production commemorative plaque and more for the $34,720 base MSRP. Limited to just 860 units in the U.S. market for 2024, each car features a unique badge marking its special rarity status, thus adding exclusivity that honors the past while embracing the future while also providing an exhilarating driving experience so that drivers can embrace a piece of automotive history reimagined for today's roads. The GR86 is not only well grounded in the roots of its ancestry, but it has gained its forward-thinking academic diploma as well. Every vehicle that has earned the GR badge has been honed and perfected through extensive testing by Gazoo Racing, Toyota's global racing division, where the brand adeptly indulges its passion for motorsports and obsessive need for speed.

Sleek Figure Proportions

Like many image-conscious women, the GR86 maintains a slim figure for near-perfect load distribution. Weighing in at just 2,811 pounds for the manual transmission model and 2,851 pounds for the automatic, this car is among the lightest sports cars on the market. The long hood, short rear deck, and low curb weight contributes to the car's agility and responsiveness; so whether you're accelerating out of a corner or making quick maneuvers in traffic, the lightweight design equipped with Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 tires ensures a controlled drive that's both exhilarating and manageable. Recognized by many enthusiasts as Toyota's spiritual successor to the AE86, the racing-inspired GR86 TRUENO also offers a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform along with an upgraded performance package including standard SACHS® dampers and Brembo® brakes, which is also available as an upgrade package for all GR86 models with 18-inch wheels. Added to the compact dimensions of the light yet strong unibody construction, these upgrades provide enhanced handling, improved cornering, and superior stopping power, making the car more than capable on the track. The suspension is meticulously tuned to deliver a balance between sporty agility and everyday comfort, ensuring that the GR86 TRUENO is not just a nimble and agile weekend toy but a viable daily driver as well.

Punchy Personality

For those who crave thrilling driving dynamics, the GR86 TRUENO Edition delivers in spades by providing an ideal combination of power and size. Built on Toyota's renowned rear-wheel-drive platform, the 2024 GR86 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four boxer engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque while sitting low in the chassis in order to optimize balance and center of gravity while cornering. This powertrain is engineered to provide a responsive and thrilling driving experience, with peak torque arriving at 3,700 RPM. Acceleration is brisk, with the manual transmission achieving 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and the automatic variant in 6.6 seconds. A Torsen® limited-slip rear differential comes standard, enhancing traction and control during spirited driving; while a dual chrome-tipped cat-back exhaust system helps with smoother airflow and heightened engine performance. This blend of precise steering and responsive handling makes it an accessible sports car for women of all driving skill levels who want to push limits and boost their confidence behind the wheel while making an eyebrow-raising impression along the way.

Short Throw Shifting

Built on the Premium grade, the GR86 TRUENO Edition is available in both manual and automatic transmission models, allowing buyers to personalize their driving experience. Whether you prefer the hands-on engagement of a manual or the convenience of an automatic, this limited edition allows drivers to choose the configuration that best suits their driving style. The manual transmission, in particular, offers a more engaged driving experience with precise shifts and a super-easy-to-use short-throw shifter that enhances control during aggressive driving. The GR86 automatic variant, on the other hand, features paddle shifters and dynamic rev management, ensuring smooth and responsive shifts at all times. So whether choosing the manual transmission for a more engaged driving experience or the automatic for smooth, responsive shifts, the car is designed to make every drive enjoyable.

Stylish Yet Practical

Inside the special edition cabin, the low-slung interior is decked out with stylishly supportive Ultrasuede® sport seats trimmed in red leather and thoughtfully complemented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all-weather floor/trunk mats, exclusive logoed shift knob, and red-stitched shift boot. The driver-focused cockpit with digital instrument panel also features dual-zone automatic climate control and an overall layout that ensures every control is within easy reach. Challenging the stereotypical notion that sports cars are often considered impractical, the GR86 TRUENO Edition features a surprisingly spacious trunk and fold-down rear seats which offers more cargo space than many would expect from a compact sports coupe. Blending utility with style in a way that few sports cars can achieve, this practical feature makes it easier to carry groceries, luggage, or other essentials, thereby making it a versatile choice for women who need a car that can handle both their daily commutes and weekend getaways.

The Techy Type

Powering up in the GR86 brings to life the eight-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility which offers style and functionality that ensures connection and entertainment while maneuvering about town or on extended journeys. The GR digital gauge cluster and instrument display allows drivers to conveniently obtain vital information at a glance in order to get directions, respond to texts by voice, and have messages read aloud. The premium eight-speaker audio system further ensures that every drive is accompanied by immersive high-quality sound, making it easy to get lost in your favorite tunes as you carve through corners. Moreover, the purchase of any 2024 GR86 also comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) which provides a host of benefits including one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events.

Playing It Safe

Safety is a priority with the GR86, and all models come standard equipped with an anti-theft system with engine immobilizer as well as a comprehensive suite of safety features comprising Toyota's Active Safety Suite which works seamlessly in the background. For automatic transmission models, this suite includes features such as Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, and Automatic High Beams. Manual transmission models are equipped with Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Rear Sonar Warning. Toyota's Star Safety System™ also comes standard, which encompasses Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). Additionally, the GR86 is equipped with seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, and features such as Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). To enhance convenience and security, the GR86 offers a suite of Connected Services including a one-year trial subscription to Safety Connect and Remote Connect. These services allow owners to start their vehicle, lock/unlock doors, and receive vehicle health reports using their compatible smart devices. These features allow for a dedicated focus on the thrill of driving and mindful reassurance that safety is a priority.

Old School Cool

Blending style, performance, practicality, and safety in a way that's both empowering and exhilarating, the 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition is, without a doubt, a great car for both men and women. Whether for daily driving or weekend adventures, it offers a quite versatile and super fun experience that's tailored to the needs and desires of a wide spectrum of today's automotive consumers. For some time now, my husband and I have been engaged in ongoing discussions about our next new car purchase. We have spent many hours comparing and contrasting the utility of an SUV versus the comfort and fuel economy of a luxury sedan. At the same time, however, we do also often talk about other attractive alternatives as well.

So, who knows?

Perhaps, in the end, we'll simply follow our hearts and just ditch it all in favor of a sexy little sports car.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Toyota | GR86

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 22 electrified options. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more.

About TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing embodies Toyota's commitment to overcoming every limit to make 'ever-better' cars, to forge new technologies and solutions under the extreme conditions of motorsports, and to never stop innovating. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing races its cars to push the limits for better and to learn from the toughest challenges. Competing on every kind of road, no matter what the challenge, inspires TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to build 'ever-better' cars and engineer Toyota's future DNA to bring freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone. For more information, visit www.toyotagazooracing.com.