What Did the GR86 Used to Be Called Before It Changed

The GR86 used to be called the Toyota 86, and before that, it traces back to the legendary Toyota AE86. This article covers the full name history, from the original AE86 to the current GR86. You will learn why Toyota changed the name and what it means for fans.

If you are a car fan, you have probably heard the Toyota GR86 name thrown around a lot. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the GR86 used to be called before it changed? The answer is simpler than you might think. The car right before the GR86 was the Toyota 86. And if you go way back, the roots dig even deeper into Toyota’s rich JDM car history.

In this article, we are going to walk you through the full story. We will cover the Toyota 86 era, the legendary AE86 roots, and the reasons behind the name change. Whether you are a current GR86 owner or just curious about Toyota sports car history, this guide has everything you need. Let us dive in and explore the full journey of this affordable sports car that has won the hearts of so many enthusiasts around the world.

Key Takeaways

• The GR86 used to be called the Toyota 86: Toyota renamed the car when it launched the second generation in 2022.
• The AE86 is the real ancestor: The spirit of the GR86 goes all the way back to the classic Toyota AE86 from the 1980s.
• Toyota 86 was also sold as the Subaru BRZ: The two brands shared the same platform and car for years.
• The name change reflects Toyota Gazoo Racing pride: Adding “GR” puts the car in the official Toyota GR performance lineup.
• The GR86 keeps the same soul: Rear-wheel drive, a boxer engine, and lightweight design are still at the heart of the car.
• Fans have mixed feelings about the name change: Some love the new GR branding, while others miss the simple Toyota 86 name.

The Toyota 86: The Name Right Before the GR86

The Toyota 86 was the direct predecessor to the GR86. Toyota launched the first-generation Toyota 86 in 2012. It was a rear-wheel drive sports coupe that brought back the spirit of affordable, fun-to-drive cars. Toyota built it alongside Subaru, and Subaru sold the same car under the name Subaru BRZ.

The Toyota 86 was a hit from day one. Car fans loved its lightweight chassis, its naturally aspirated boxer engine, and its sharp handling. It was not about raw power. It was about the driving experience. And that philosophy carried straight over into the GR86.

Why Was It Called the Toyota 86?

The name “86” was not random. Toyota chose it as a tribute to the iconic Toyota AE86. The AE86 was a small, lightweight Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno variant from the 1980s. It became famous in motorsport and in pop culture, especially through the anime and manga series Initial D. The number 86 honored that legacy.

When Toyota brought the car back in 2012, they wanted to keep that connection alive. So they simply called it the Toyota 86. It was a clean, simple name that spoke to fans of the original AE86 and to a new generation of drivers who wanted a lightweight sports car they could actually afford.

The Toyota 86 Was Also the Subaru BRZ

Here is something important to know. The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ were essentially the same car. They shared the same platform, the same engine, and the same basic design. The differences were mostly cosmetic and brand-specific.

Toyota focused on a slightly more driver-focused feel. Subaru added their own touch with a more comfortable interior. But under the skin, they were twins. This partnership between Toyota and Subaru was a smart move. It kept costs low and helped both brands offer a compelling affordable sports car in a market full of expensive options.

Toyota 86 Generations and Updates

Over its lifespan from 2012 to 2020, the Toyota 86 got a few updates. Toyota tweaked the suspension, the styling, and the infotainment system. But the core formula stayed the same. A 2.0-liter flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission option that enthusiasts loved.

Here are the key updates Toyota made to the 86 over the years:

• 2012 launch: The original Toyota 86 with a 2.0-liter boxer engine producing 200 horsepower.
• 2017 refresh: Updated styling with a new front bumper, LED headlights, and improved suspension tuning.
• Special editions: Toyota released limited trims like the TRD Special Edition and the Series Yellow edition for collectors.

These updates kept the Toyota 86 fresh without changing its fundamental character. And when it was time for a new generation, Toyota knew exactly what to do.

Going Further Back: The AE86 Legacy

To truly understand what the GR86 used to be called, you have to go back to the 1980s. The Toyota AE86 is the car that started it all. It was a small, lightweight rear-wheel drive coupe and liftback that Toyota built from 1983 to 1987.

The AE86 was part of the Toyota Corolla family. But it was no ordinary Corolla. It came with a 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine that revved high and rewarded skilled drivers. It was the car that made drifting mainstream. It was the car that Initial D made famous. And it became a JDM car legend.

The Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno

The AE86 was sold under two names in Japan. The Toyota Corolla Levin was the hatchback version. The Toyota Sprinter Trueno was the coupe version. Both shared the same chassis and engine but had slightly different styling.

Toyota used a code system for its models. The “AE” in AE86 stood for the engine family. The “86” referred to the specific chassis code within that series. This naming convention is part of why Toyota loved the number 86 so much. It carried deep meaning for car enthusiasts who understood the code.

Why the AE86 Still Matters Today

Even though the AE86 was built over 40 years ago, its influence is still strong. The Toyota GR86 carries the same DNA. A lightweight body. A naturally aspirated boxer engine. Rear-wheel drive. A focus on driver engagement over horsepower numbers.

Toyota did not just name the GR86 after the AE86. They designed it to capture the same feeling. That is why the name “86” keeps showing up in Toyota’s sports car lineup. It is a tribute. It is a promise. And it is a connection to one of the most beloved sports cars ever made.

Why Did Toyota Change the Name to GR86?

When Toyota revealed the second-generation sports car in 2021, they dropped the “Toyota 86” name. Instead, they called it the Toyota GR86. So why did Toyota make this change? The answer lies in the brand’s strategy and its performance lineup.

Toyota Gazoo Racing, or GR, is Toyota’s official motorsport and performance brand. It stands for Toyota’s racing heritage and its commitment to building exciting, driver-focused cars. By adding “GR” to the 86, Toyota placed the car firmly within the GR family. The GR lineup now includes the GR Supra, the GR86, the GR Corolla, and the GR Yaris.

Building a Stronger GR Brand Identity

Toyota wanted a consistent naming strategy. Every performance car under the GR umbrella should have the GR prefix. This makes it easy for fans to identify which cars are part of Toyota’s serious performance effort.

The GR86 name tells you exactly what it is. It is a GR car. It is a Toyota. And it carries the 86 legacy. The name is clean, it is modern, and it fits the brand’s global strategy.

Honoring the Past While Looking Forward

Toyota did not forget the past. The “86” part of the name is still there. It still honors the AE86 and the Toyota 86 that came before. But by adding GR, Toyota signaled that this is a new generation. It is a fresh start with the same soul.

Expert insiders at Toyota Gazoo Racing have said that the GR branding helps the car stand out in a crowded market. It also connects the GR86 to Toyota’s racing pedigree, which adds credibility and excitement for enthusiasts.

Toyota 86 vs GR86: Key Differences

So, what actually changed between the Toyota 86 and the Toyota GR86? The answer is: not as much as you might think. Toyota kept the core formula intact. But there are some important updates that make the GR86 feel like a true next-generation car.

Here is a side-by-side look at the key differences:

Feature	Toyota 86 (2012-2020)	Toyota GR86 (2022+)
Engine	2.0L flat-four, 200 hp	2.4L flat-four, 228 hp
Torque	151 lb-ft	184 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed manual or CVT	6-speed manual (no CVT)
Weight	~2,800 lbs	~2,860 lbs
Platform	Toyota/Subaru shared platform	Updated Toyota GA-Z platform
Suspension	MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear	MacPherson strut front, double-wishbone rear (tuned)
Styling	Soft, rounded design	Sharp, aggressive design with GR branding
Infotainment	Basic system with small screen	Updated system with larger screen and modern features
Price (at launch)	~$25,000 USD	~$28,000 USD

The most notable change is the engine. Toyota went from a 2.0-liter to a 2.4-liter boxer engine. That extra displacement gives the GR86 more torque and a stronger pull through the mid-range. The removal of the CVT option also pleased purists who preferred the feel of a manual transmission.

The styling is sharper and more aggressive. The GR86 has a wider stance, a more pronounced front grille, and the signature GR badging that tells the world what it is. Inside, the cabin is more modern with better materials and updated technology.

What Stayed the Same

Despite the updates, Toyota kept the core experience intact. The GR86 is still a lightweight sports car. It still has rear-wheel drive. It still comes with a naturally aspirated boxer engine. And it still prioritizes fun over raw power.

This is exactly what fans wanted. Toyota listened. They gave the car a fresh coat of paint, a stronger engine, and the GR badge. But they did not try to turn it into something it is not. And that is exactly why the GR86 has been so well received.

What the New Name Means for Fans

The shift from Toyota 86 to GR86 was not just a marketing decision. It had real meaning for the fan community. Some fans embraced the change right away. Others took a little more time to warm up to it.

The GR badge carries weight. It signals that the car has been developed with input from Toyota’s racing division. It means the car has been tested on real tracks. And it means it is part of a serious performance lineup.

The Fan Reaction

When Toyota first announced the GR86 name, reactions were mixed. Some JDM car fans felt that the simple “Toyota 86” name had more character. Others loved the GR branding because it connected the car to Toyota’s racing heritage.

Over time, most fans have come around. The GR86 has earned respect on its own merits. It has won awards. It has been praised by automotive journalists. And it has become a staple in the affordable sports car segment.

The GR86 in Motorsport

Toyota has been putting the GR86 in races. The car competes in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup and various grassroots racing series. This gives owners the chance to take their GR86 to the track and experience the car at its best.

The motorsport connection is a big part of the GR identity. It is not just a badge. It is a promise that the car has real racing DNA. And for fans of the Toyota 86 and the AE86 before it, that racing heritage is everything.

The GR86 Community

One of the best things about the GR86 is the community. Owners are passionate. They share mods, track day stories, and driving tips online. The GR86 has become a social car as much as a performance car. Clubs and meet groups have formed around the world.

If you are thinking about buying a GR86 or just learning more, joining a community is a great step. You will learn things that no review can teach you. And you will find that the passion for this car runs deep.

The Future of the Toyota GR86 Line

So, what comes next for the Toyota GR86? Toyota has not announced a successor yet, but the signs are promising. The GR platform is still young, and Toyota has shown commitment to keeping the GR86 in the lineup for years to come.

Rumors have circulated about potential upgrades. Some fans hope for a turbocharged version of the GR86. Others want Toyota to add a limited-edition track-focused variant. And some simply want Toyota to keep the formula that works: a lightweight, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive sports car.

What We Know So Far

• Toyota has no plans to go hybrid or electric with the GR86: The company wants to keep the pure driving experience alive.
• Future updates may include a power bump: Toyota could increase output further as emissions regulations evolve.
• The Subaru BRZ twin will continue: Both brands are committed to the shared sports car platform.
• Toyota Gazoo Racing will keep supporting the GR86 on the track: Racing programs help keep the car relevant and exciting.

The GR86 represents something special in today’s car market. It is an affordable sports car that does not pretend to be something it is not. It is not trying to beat supercars. It is just trying to deliver pure, unfiltered driving joy. And that is exactly why the name GR86 matters.

The next time someone asks you what the GR86 used to be called before it changed, you can tell them the whole story. It was the Toyota 86. Before that, it was the AE86. And the spirit of those names lives on in every GR86 that rolls off the line.

Conclusion

The story of what the GR86 used to be called is really a story about Toyota’s commitment to keeping the spirit of fun, affordable sports cars alive. From the legendary AE86 to the Toyota 86 and now the GR86, Toyota has never lost sight of what makes a great driving car. It is not about horsepower. It is about connection. It is about the feel of the road. It is about the joy of turning a wheel and feeling the car respond.

The name change from Toyota 86 to GR86 was more than just a branding exercise. It was a statement. Toyota is saying that this car belongs in the GR family. It belongs on the track. And it belongs in the hearts of anyone who loves to drive.

If you have been curious about the GR86’s history, now you know the full picture. The car you see on the road today carries the legacy of the AE86, the Toyota 86, and the Subaru BRZ. It is a modern sports car with deep roots. And it is a car that keeps getting better with each passing year.

So the next time you see a GR86 on the road, you will know its story. You will know where it came from. And you will understand why Toyota chose the name it did. That is the power of a car with a real history. And the GR86 has more than its fair share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the GR86 called before it was the GR86?

The GR86 was called the Toyota 86 before Toyota renamed it for the second generation in 2022. The first-generation model launched in 2012 and was sold simply as the Toyota 86 until production ended in 2020.

Is the GR86 the same car as the Toyota 86?

Yes and no. The GR86 is the direct successor to the Toyota 86. They share the same core concept: a lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports coupe with a naturally aspirated boxer engine. But the GR86 has a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, updated styling, and modern upgrades that make it a true next-generation car.

What is the connection between the GR86 and the AE86?

The Toyota AE86 from the 1980s is the spiritual ancestor of the GR86. The number 86 in the GR86 name is a direct tribute to the AE86. Both cars share the same philosophy: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on pure driving enjoyment over raw horsepower.

Why did Toyota add “GR” to the name?

Toyota added “GR” to align the car with its Toyota Gazoo Racing performance brand. The GR prefix places the car in the same family as the GR Supra, GR Corolla, and GR Yaris. It signals that the car has been developed with racing input and is part of Toyota’s serious performance lineup.

Was the Toyota 86 also sold as a Subaru?

Yes. The Toyota 86 was sold alongside the Subaru BRZ as a twin model. Both cars shared the same platform, engine, and basic design. The differences were mostly in styling, badging, and minor interior tweaks. The second-generation BRZ is still the twin of the current GR86.

Will Toyota ever bring back the Toyota 86 name?

There are no official plans to bring back the Toyota 86 name. Toyota is currently focused on the GR86 brand and its role in the GR performance lineup. However, the company has a history of revisiting classic names, so it is never completely off the table for future special editions or nostalgia models.

=== CONCLUSION ===

What did the GR86 used to be called before it changed? The answer is the Toyota 86, and before that, the spirit of the Toyota AE86. This car has a rich history that spans decades, two brands, and countless memories for driving enthusiasts around the world.

The GR86 is more than just a name change. It is a continuation of a legacy. It is Toyota saying that affordable, fun, driver-focused sports cars still have a place in its lineup. And for fans of the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ, and the legendary AE86, the GR86 is a welcome and worthy successor.

Whether you are a long-time fan or just discovering this car, the story of the GR86 is one worth knowing. It is a story of heritage, passion, and the simple joy of driving. And that is something no name change can ever take away.