A new GT-86, the GRMN - Both good, and bad

Another special edition, similar to the one we featured a month ago. Well, let's start off with the bad thing first. Toyota's new edition of the GT-86, called the GRMN, will only be available in Japan. Now, you might think to yourself what's the good stuff then? Well, besides the technical stuff we're about to dig deeper into, the fact that there's another special edition GT-86 means Toyota is still developing and improving the car, giving the US version a fighting chance for an upgrade. Most often than not, after a manufacturer upgrades a car in their domestic market, they will do so in foreign ones too. 

Let's get the name out of the way first. GRMN stands for Gazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring. Now, while it still doesn't feature turbocharging, or a radical new design like the GT-86 we featured a while ago, it has some noticeable and big improvements over the standard one. Namely, the first one being, obviously, that gigantic wing in the back. Adding to the aero package is also a subtle front splitter. The GRMN in it's current visual state sure looks like it means business, but that's to be expected from a company coming from the Nuburgring after all.

Unlike other iterations of the GT-86, this one doesn't disappoint in the engine department either. It features a new intake system, as well as an exhaust system, freeing up the engine and allowing more power. This is also backed up by the new low-friction internal components, allowing for an even more free revving engine. The suspension has had a complete re-tune as well, and so have the brakes. Well, the brakes have been replaced as a matter of fact with ventilated ones, six and four piston ones, front and rear respectively. The six-speed gearbox has a much closer ratio, and some of the glass windows are replaced with plexiglass.

It really is a shame that this version is exclusive to the Japanese market. A car like this would certainly tickle the enthusiasts' mind. It would be a big sales hit that's for sure. A car with 20 more horsepower than stock, tighter and stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and some 100-odd pounds of weight savings is a winner in any car lover's book. It remains to be seen if the US will get some special version as well. For now however, there are lots of parts that are able to extract even more performance from your GT-86 (BR-Z and FR-S in the US). Furious Customs carries only the best aftermarket performance parts. Feel free to check them out here:

Subaru BR-Z Performance parts

Scion FR-S Performance parts