First Look: 2023 Toyota GR86 SE

PLANO, Texas – Fresh off the launch of an all-new second generation in 2022, the rear-driving GR86 sports coupe receives an ultra-low volume SE grade for 2023.

Now, before I get into the nuts and bolts, a disclaimer is in order: much like the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition, the GR86 SE will be in very short supply. Only 20 units are bound for Canada, so if you’re interested, make haste to your local Toyota dealer.

With that out of the way, here’s what the 2023 GR86 SE entails:

• Based on the GR86 Premium grade


• All 20 units finished in Solar Shift orange, a model-exclusive colour


• GR cat-back performance exhaust with stainless steel pipes, black chrome tips and debossed GR logo


• GR matte-black 18-inch wheels with black centre caps and black lug nuts


• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires


• Black GR C-pillar graphic


• Ultrasuede / leather-trimmed interior with GR special edition badge

That covers the “special” in SE, but for context I’ll recap the GR86’s fundamentals.

The second gen GR86 is powered by a 2.4-litre boxer engine that has 11 per cent more horsepower and 18 per cent more torque than the 2.0-litre boxer used in the first gen model. Total output is rated at 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.



Peak torque also comes in sooner (3,700 r.p.m.) than previously (6,600 r.p.m.) which, along with more power, produces a zero-100 km/h time that is almost a full second quicker than the old car with the six-speed manual (7.2 to 6.3 seconds), and almost a second and a half quicker with the six-speed automatic (8.2 to 6.8 seconds).

Two GR86 grades are available for Canada, base and premium. The base grade comes with 17-inch wheels, Michelin Primacy HP tires, six-way adjustable black GR-embossed fabric and sport fabric side bolsters, and vinyl and sport fabric on the dashboard and door panels. Other standard features include an eight-inch multimedia system with six speakers and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The premium grade gets larger 18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, duckbill rear spoiler, black and silver-accented six-way adjustable front seats, heated front seats, perforated Ultrasuede seating with leather side bolsters. Premium models also receive an upgraded eight-speaker audio system with amplifier. Aluminum sport pedals and footrest are also standard.

The 2023 GR86 SE goes on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to on-sale.