Yahoo Autos The Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition Honors Its Namesake
The Toyota AE86 has retained an incredibly dedicated fanbase of enthusiasts over the years, despite the hatch’s humble roots. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the JDM icon, and Toyota doesn’t intend to let that anniversary slip by unannounced. In order to celebrate, the automaker on Wednesday unveiled the all-new 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition, a limited production tribute by way of the original 86’s spiritual successor.
The AE86, officially known as the Corolla Sport GT-S liftback or Sprinter Trueno, first arrived back in 1984. The hatch didn't initially appear to have the trappings of a traditional sporty car, with a relatively low-powered 1.6-lite twin-cam four-pot up front and relatively mundane styling. That said, rear-wheel drive, a limited-slip differential, and a curb weight of just over 2300 pounds ensured the 86 was a fan favorite in the twisties. The car became an icon of the Japanese motorsport community, taking part in everything from hill climbs to drifting. The car’s approach to on-road fun has been a guiding light for Toyota’s more modern sporty offerings, particularly the GR86 which borrows from the Trueno’s legacy. It is only fitting that the GR86 will serve as the basis for this anniversary package.
The GR86 TRUENO Edition will be easily identifiable due to its bespoke two-tone paint offerings, combining either a white or red base coat with a black hood and matching side graphics. The theme continues to the rear duckbill spoiler, which also carries a black finish. Other highlights will include unique TRUENO Edition badges on the front lip and rear deck, as well as bespoke 18-inch wheels. Black mirror caps and door handles complete the visual tweaks.
A visual package alone wouldn’t suffice as a tribute to the original AE86. Toyota will also outfit the special edition model with a new Performance Package, which includes upgraded Sachs dampers and a set of Brembo brakes. These hardware bits will actually be available for all 2024 GR86 customers, or owners of 22MY and above vehicles equipped with 18-inch wheels. Toyota hasn’t shared the pricing information for the Performance Package at this time, but expect that to come soon.
Inside the GR86 TRUENO Edition you’ll be greeted by Ultrasuede and red leather sport seats, with red accent stitching on the steering wheel, shift boot, and other interior surfaces. The TRUENO Edition model gets a few unique interior items, such as logoed floor mats, a unique shift knob, and a serialized number plate. As the TRUENO Edition is based on the Premium spec car, niceties include an 8-inch central touch screen, a premium eight-speaker audio system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Toyota’s full suite of active safety will also be standard equipment across all manual-equipped GR86 models for 2024.
Only 860 examples of the 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition are slated for the U.S. market, with pricing set to be announced closer to the on-sale date. Toyota certainly won’t have trouble finding nostalgic fans of the AE86, though the Performance Package itself might be the more exciting offering. We’ll have to wait and see what that upgraded hardware offers the lineup in 2024, and just how much Toyota is going to want for the kit.
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