RAY MASSEY: Toyota’s modern marvel is GR86 sports coupe

There haven’t been many occasions when I’ve had more fun behind the wheel of a car. Sitting in Toyota’s GR86 sports coupe, driving is really back to basics, but with a modern twist.

This is a well tuned and balanced car that embraces the latest handling and safety technology without being overbearing.

It’s seen as the spiritual successor to the classic Toyota 2000GT, of which a one-off topless version appeared in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice. It even has a slick six-speed manual transmission, remember those days when you really had to shift gears? to change gear?

With a dual exhaust and great sound, the GR86 is powered by a 231 hp 2,387 cc four-cylinder ‘boxer’ petrol engine that propels it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds to a top speed – where legal, as on a racetrack or a de-restricted German Autobahn – from 140 mph. I sat in the sparse cockpit with minimal controls, staring past the low hood at the road.

The weather didn’t do me any good. The heavens opened to a downpour.

But the GR86’s nimbleness held out in the rain as I left the three-lane A3 from London to higher Hog’s Back at Farnham, then onto the tight twisting country lanes of rural Surrey. With aerodynamic air intakes, air outlets and horizontal side spoilers, this is a beautifully designed, energetic car that is built to drive fast. And it rewards you when you do.

The suspension is quite firm, especially on potholed British roads. But the overall package is sensational – and with a starting price of a fraction of less than £30,000 (£29,995) it’s a steal.

As a two-plus-two, it’s cramped in the two rear bucket seats, but it has a good trunk that can expand. Fuel economy is a relatively frugal 32.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 200g/km. An alternative six-speed GR86 automatic transmission costs from €32,085.

But here’s the bad news. The entire UK allotment of over 400 GR86s sold out in just 90 minutes when they went on sale before launch in April.

So since deliveries to the first customer are now starting, if you’re still excited, you should look for a pre-owned or ‘grey market’ one.

Riding on 10-spoke 18-inch black alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, safety features include a blind spot monitor and a reversing camera with rear-crossing warning – which worked while I reserved the ramp.

The interior is a bit plastic – no doubt for weight savings – but features a multimedia system with an 8-inch display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch multi-information display in color, Ultrasuede and leather seat upholstery, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, smart entry and start button and automatic folding door mirrors and adaptive LED headlights.

The automatic GR86 has new active safety and driver assistance systems, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam and lane assist.

GR86? What’s in a name?

The GR in the name refers to Toyota’s sporting branch Gazoo Racing.

The previous incarnation of the GR86 was the GT86.

And both are seen as spiritual successors to two of the most important sports cars in Toyota history: the 2000GT and the 1980s Corolla GT Coupé codenamed AE86.

It also comes from the earlier GT86s development code ‘086A’.

In another twist, the ’86’ is also a nod to the 86mm x 86mm square bore and stroke, the GT86 boxer engine and the 86mm diameter of the model’s chrome twin exhausts.

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run kicks off

The world’s longest-running motorcycle party, which started as a brutal protest against early anti-car legislation, kicks off early tomorrow.

Starting at sunrise in London’s Hyde Park and finishing 60 miles later on the Brighton coast, over 350 notable veteran cars, their drivers and passengers – many in period costume – will take part in the annual RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

The Run celebrates the day 126 years ago the Locomotive on the Highway Act was passed, which raised the speed limit for “light locomotives” from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the need for the vehicles to be preceded by a man with a hated red flag.

On November 14, 1896, the day the Act came into force, 30 cars were driven from London to Brighton during the first ‘Emancipation Run’.

An 1892 Peugeot is the oldest car in this year’s Run and all eligible cars must have been built before 1905.

Vehicles taking part include tricycles and quadricycles, steam engines and even some very early electric vehicles – all built before 1905. These include well-known names such as Ford, Renault, Peugeot and Mercedes, as well as many forgotten ones such as Mors, De Dion Bouton, Covert, Alldays and Gladiator.

Celebrities taking part include Andy Green, the land speed record holder, TV personality and gardener Alan Titchmarsh and vintage car guru Paul Cowland. Participants come from as far away as America, Hong Kong and Australia

Ben Cussons, president of the Royal Automobile Club said it was a privilege to participate but warned other motorists: “If you come across these veterans on the road, treat them with respect and remember that they don’t have the same dynamic skills as a motorist. modern car.’

See veterancarrun.com.