Japanese manufacturer Toyota is making a big splash in the affordable sports coupe segment with the announcement of its new 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition. This special series, limited to just 860 units for the global market, pays homage to the famous Hakone mountain road in Japan, renowned for its winding bends and popular with sports driving enthusiasts.
An exclusive design inspired by Japanese nature
The GR86 Hakone Edition immediately stands out with its exclusive exterior color Green Ridgeevoking the lush forests surrounding the Hakone Road. This unique color is subtly highlighted by 18-inch satin bronze-finished wheels, creating an elegant and sporty contrast. The car’s aerodynamics are enhanced by the addition of a rear spoiler type duck tailrecalling the aesthetic codes of classic racing cars. A Hakone badge specially designed for this edition completes the distinctive exterior elements, emphasizing the exclusive character of this model.
A boxer engine for pure sensations
Under the hood, the GR86 Hakone Edition retains the beating heart of the range: a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. This atmospheric mechanism develops a power of 228 horsepower for a couple of 250 Nmfigures that promise exciting performances. True to the philosophy of Toyota Gazoo Racing, the GR86 Hakone Edition is available with a 6-speed manual gearboxoffering purists total control over the mechanics. For those who prefer a more relaxed drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission is also offered.
A sharp chassis for an exhilarating ride
Toyota has paid particular attention to the dynamic behavior of this special edition. The engineers have revised the tuning of the shock absorbers and the electric power steering to offer an even more precise feel and increased agility. The GR86 Hakone Edition benefits as standard fromSACHS shock absorbers and of Brembo brakesensuring an exceptional level of performance and control, both on the road and on the track. The chassis, built from high-strength steel and aluminum, offers a perfect balance between rigidity and lightness.
A refined interior with sporty accents
The interior of the GR86 Hakone Edition is no exception in terms of exclusivity. The sports seats are covered inUltrasuede with Havana leather inserts, creating a sporty yet luxurious atmosphere. The bronze-accented gear knob and the GR Special Edition numbered plaque reinforce the unique character of this limited series. The engineers have also worked on the accelerator mapping to offer a livelier response and facilitate heel-and-toe downshifts. These technical improvements aim to further strengthen the bond between the driver and his machine, for an ever more immersive driving experience.
An experience that goes beyond mere possession
Toyota doesn’t just offer its customers an exceptional car. In the United States, every buyer of the GR86 Hakone Edition will enjoy a Free one-year NASA membership (National Auto Sport Association). The partnership includes access to a complimentary High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) as well as preferred rates to participate in other NASA-sanctioned events. This initiative underscores Toyota’s commitment to building a true community around its Gazoo Racing (GR) lineup, encouraging owners to fully explore the capabilities of their vehicle in a safe, supervised environment.
A highly coveted limited series
With only 860 units planned for the global market, the Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition is already shaping up to be a future collector’s item. Although the price has not yet been officially announced, we can expect a slightly higher price than the standard GR86, justified by the many improvements and the exclusive nature of this edition. The GR86 Hakone Edition represents the culmination of the Toyota Gazoo Racing philosophy: to offer accessible sports cars capable of delivering intense sensations both on the road and on the track. It perfectly embodies the spirit kaizen (continuous improvement) dear to Toyota, by pushing even further the qualities that made the GR86 a success. For fans of Japanese sports cars, the GR86 Hakone Edition represents a unique opportunity to own a true piece of automotive history. It is in line with the great Japanese sports cars while offering a modern and refined interpretation of the pure sports car concept. The Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition 2025 will be available at dealerships from autumn 2024. Fans of thrills and unique pieces would be well advised to reserve their copy as soon as possible, because this limited series promises to sell like hotcakes.
