Toyota is turning up the excitement for sports car enthusiasts in 2026 with the introduction of the GR86 Yuzu Edition—a vibrant and limited-run model that pays homage to the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0. The special edition gets its name from the eye-catching Yuzu exterior colour, a tribute to one of the most memorable liveries in the lineage of Toyota’s compact sports cars.
The GR86 Yuzu Edition is based on the GR86 Premium grade and brings both aesthetic enhancements and performance upgrades. It features matte-black 18-inch wheels along with black trim elements throughout the exterior. Inside the cabin, the Yuzu Edition is equally striking with a predominantly black interior accented by yellow details. The sport seats are upholstered in black Ultrasuede, punctuated by yellow perforations, while the steering wheel, parking brake, and door panels are finished with yellow contrast stitching, adding to the car’s custom feel.
Performance upgrades include standard Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers, which offer sharper stopping power and improved chassis stability without sacrificing the playful driving dynamics that have defined the GR86. These enhancements are part of the Performance Package, which will also be available as an option for the standard GR86 and GR86 Premium grades in the 2026 lineup.
All GR86 models continue to be powered by the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine producing 228hp and 249Nm of torque. This engine is tuned to deliver peak torque at 3,700 rpm, providing strong acceleration across the rev range. The car reaches 0–100km/h in just 6.1 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and 6.6 seconds with the six-speed automatic option. Both transmission choices are available across all three GR86 grades: the base GR86, GR86 Premium, and the GR86 Yuzu Edition.
Lightweight engineering remains at the core of the GR86 philosophy. The base manual transmission model weighs just 1,275kg, while the automatic transmission variant tips the scales at 1,293kg. Toyota achieves this through the use of aluminum for the hood, fenders, and roof, along with lightweight seats and structural adhesives that reduce overall weight and increase chassis rigidity.
The GR86’s chassis architecture combines high-strength steel, hot-stamped steel, and aluminum to optimize stiffness and handling balance. Reinforcements such as diagonal cross members at the front and a full-ring structure at the rear help minimize body roll and improve steering response. The use of structural adhesives and high-strength fasteners further solidifies the car’s connected feel and precise handling.
Inside, the GR86 continues to offer a driver-focused cockpit with modern amenities. The digital instrument cluster, push-button start, and an intuitive HVAC system with LED dials provide a sleek and functional interface. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and integrates audio and cruise controls. Models equipped with the automatic transmission also include paddle shifters and three selectable driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Snow. In Sport mode, the transmission adapts to throttle and braking inputs for optimized gear selection.
The infotainment system is centered around an 8-inch touchscreen that supports a six-speaker audio system on the base grade and an upgraded eight-speaker setup on the Premium and Yuzu editions. Seating configurations vary by grade, with the base model featuring fabric upholstery and the Premium and Yuzu variants offering Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed options with heated front seats and six-way adjustability.
Toyota has also equipped the GR86 with a robust suite of safety and driver assistance features. All models include the Toyota Star Safety System, which offers Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, and Brake Assist. Additional features such as Smart Stop Technology, Hill Start Assist Control, and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, come standard.
On automatic models, the GR86 includes advanced safety technologies such as Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Rear Sonar Warning, and Automatic High Beams. Manual transmission models include most of these systems, excluding some adaptive features.
Toyota also integrates Connected Services into every GR86, offering a one-year trial subscription to Safety Connect with emergency response services, Service Connect for maintenance tracking, and Remote Connect for smartphone-based vehicle access. These services aim to enhance convenience and peace of mind for owners.
A limited production run will make the GR86 Yuzu Edition an exclusive offering, with only 860 units allocated for North America. Toyota plans to begin deliveries in Fall 2025, while pricing and complete specifications for all 2026 GR86 grades will be revealed later this year.
Toyota emphasised that every GR-badged vehicle undergoes rigorous testing and development led by the GAZOO Racing team, under the supervision of Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo. The GR86, like its stablemates, benefits from insights gathered through Toyota’s motorsports programs, including its participation in endurance races like Japan’s Super Taikyu Series and the GR Cup one-make series in North America.
To further celebrate the connection to motorsports, each GR86 purchase includes a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). This benefit gives owners access to one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) and discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned track events, allowing them to fully experience the vehicle’s dynamic capabilities in a controlled environment.
With its distinctive styling, enhanced handling package, and limited availability, the GR86 Yuzu Edition is poised to become a collector’s item and a highlight of Toyota’s 2026 sports car portfolio.