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Toyota's GR racing brand was created on track. So where better to take the company's now almost legendary GR86 sports coupe? And if the track in question is the greatest of all time, then so much the better.
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Detailed ratings
Family Hatch - GTi Hatchbacks
Driving experience
On the face of it, you wouldn't think the GR86 to be a natural fit for the Nordschliefe, 20.832km of 'Green Hell' with over 120 corners (90% of them almost blind) and 300 metres of elevation change. You'd think a little 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Boxer four-cylinder powerplant would get found out by that. But this track isn't just about how you take the straights; it's more about how you can take the turns. And in the right hands, a GR86 can take the turns very quickly indeed.
I'm not entirely sure that mine are the right hands, but even I can feel the racing DNA in the way this car steers, rides and handles over the Nordschliefe's endless twisting turns and undulating gradients. There's 230bhp beneath my right foot - not a lot compared to the other machinery blowing past me but quite enough to deal with on the damp conditions of our test day. The engine note (enhanced by the cabin speakers) is surprisingly involving, as is the short throw for the 6-speed manual gearbox. It's all good.
Through the tighter turns, I appreciated the extra traction from the Torsen limited-slip differential. And the feel from the electric power steering system which requires just 2.5 turns of GR86's three-spoke steering wheel to move from lock to lock, giving easy manoeuvrability. Performance is all you really need, 62mph from rest takes 6.3s; the quoted top speed is 140mph, but I wasn't brave enough to reach it on the damp condition of our test day.
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Design and build
The GR86 fits right into the Nordschliefe paddock, its styling serious without being sensationalised; despite all the exotic machinery parked there, it still got its fair share of looks. An old GT86 pulled up alongside. At the wheel, you sit 5mm lower than in that old car, but your view forward is still fine across the low rising bonnet. This covers cylinders with a bore expanded from the perfectly square 86mm dimensions of the previous model - that figure is these days 94mm.
Inside, the GR86 formula is properly purposeful. In creating this evolved design, Toyota lowered the hip point and roof line a little and updated the dash. A touchscreen is provided in the centre stack, though it's not especially large. The rear seats are suitable only for kids or helmet bags, though they do still drop down to increase the capacity of the decently-sized 226-litre boot. When folded, there is load space big enough to take four wheels - ideal for those driving their GR86 to and from track days.
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Market and model
It seems almost pointless telling you that a GR86 retails at £30,140 (or £32,230 as an auto), since it's almost impossible to buy one new any more. If you manage to hunt a new or late low mileage one down, you'll find it well equipped.
According to model grade, the GR86 features 17-inch machined 10-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin Primacy HP tyres, or 18-inch black rims, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. Full-LED headlights are standard across the range. As are front sports seats that feature supportive pads which are independent of each other, ensuring a slim design and good body-holding. There's a much better multimedia system than the old GT86 had, with an 8-inch screen and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone integration. USB ports and AUX socket are also provided for device connection and recharging. Equipped with a Data Communications Module, the GR86 provides an eCall function in the event of an accident or emergency.
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Cost of ownership
One surprisingly impressive thing about the GR86 throughout our Nurburgring visit was just how relatively frugal it was. A full tank of fuel sufficed for the UK to Germany down; and another full tank sufficed for the return seven hour trip back to Blighty. In between, the BMW M2 we were travelling with was frequently back and forth to the local Aral fuel station; the GR just needed a few top-ups.
That economy is helped by a lean 1,670kg kerb weight that's around 100kg lighter than you'd expect a four cylinder coupe in this class to be. Every person we know who's run the old GT86 reported averages of over 30mpg. And we know a few lead foots, we can assure you of that. Emissions aren't quite so clever but taxation should still be affordable. Plus, as with all Toyotas, the GR86 is covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which owners can extend at no cost through the 'Toyota Relax' programme simply by having their vehicle serviced at an authorised Toyota centre, gaining an extra year and 10,000 miles of cover up to a limit of the vehicle reaching 10 years and/or 100,000 miles.
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Summary
This track test reminded us all over again just why we love the Nurburgring Nordschliefe. And just why we love the GR86. We'll miss it when it's gone. Most of the sportscars we test are faster than this Toyota. Few of them are more fun. And of all the tracks in the world, the Nordschliefe is where you feel that most. It's the ultimate test. And this car relishes it.
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