Toyota GR86 sold out in 90 minutes
Toyota has already sold through its entire two year allocation of the GR86 coupe
If there was any doubt that interest in the affordable sports car was a thing of the past, no one seems to have told the buyers that have wiped out Toyota UK's entire allocation of the new GR86 just 90 minutes after going on sale. And this isn't just a 2022 allocation, but their entire two-year production inventory, after which sales will cease due to European safety regulations coming into force in 2024.
Toyota UK has confirmed that it has not look into increasing its allocation – demand for the model is strong in all markets – likely keeping it hot property in the years to come, although customers can be added to a waiting list if any cancellations occur.
Pricing of the GR86 was released only a few months ago, with all models arriving in just one high specification at £29,990 for the six-speed manual and £32,085 for the automatic. This made it £1180 less than the basic GR Yaris, becoming a new entry-level point to Toyota's GR range in the process.
Highlighted standard equipment on UK examples include an 18-inch wheel design wrapped in Michelin PS4 rubber, as well as half-leather interior trim, an 8-inch infotainment system including smartphone mirroring, a reverse camera, climate control and adaptive LED headlights.
The short life-span is, in large part, due to tighter safety regulations coming into force that would have forced the GR86's roof design to be totally re-engineered.
One of the key reasons for this issue with homologation is the relative age of the GR86, which despite looking all-new is instead a substantial update on the 10-year old GT86. To dramatically change this key part of the structure would ensue prohibitive costs and compromise that Toyota, understandably, was unable to overlook.
> Toyota GR86 review – new coupe takes the challenge to Porsche’s Cayman 2.0
This is a similar issue to other Japanese sports cars have had in entry back into European markets, with challenges in passing emission regulations for models more heavily biased towards American and Pacific markets like the new Nissan 400Z and Subaru WRX – neither of which are homologated for Europe at all.
Given the difficulty and expense of ensuring overseas models like these meet European and British regulations for both emissions and safety, it’s not surprising to see them being kept off the pricing lists considering their limited sales potential. However, we still think this might be something of a presumptuous move as the market transitions to electrification, and it's something Toyota is proving wrong with its well deserved successes.
