One of the best (and last) affordable sports cars on the market, the Toyota GR86gets a number of upgrades for 2025. The changes should make an already fun car to drive even more fun, but for those who also want a slightly more exclusive ride, Toyota brings back the Hakone Edition.
First the updates. All 2025 GR86’s gets retuned dampers and electronic power steering that Toyota says improves handling response and provides a better feel of ground contact. For cars equipped with the GR86’s six-speed manual transmission, the electronic throttle valve control has been reprogrammed for quicker response. Engine torque control has also been adjusted to better ease throttle thrusts during downshifts.
Automatic transmission cars aren’t forgotten either. The six-speed gearboxes have been remapped to allow a 1,600-rpm higher threshold for manual paddle downshifts for a more spirited drive.
As for the Hakone Edition, the limited production variant is a throwback to the Special Edition 2020 of the previous generation 86The name is a tribute to the winding Hakone Turnpike, a legendary heavy (mountain pass) road near Tokyo. Both Hakone Editions are finished in an exclusive dark green colour reminiscent of the trees that line the pass.
The Hakone Edition has no changes compared to the 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. But like other special edition GR86s, Toyota upgraded the suspension with Sachs dampers and gave the brakes by installing Brembo four-piston brake calipers with 12.8 x 1.3-inch brake discs at the front and two-piston brake calipers with 12.4 x 0.79-inch brake discs at the rear.
In addition to the Ridge Green paint, Hakone Editions are recognizable by 18-inch bronze wheels and a ducktail spoiler at the rear. Inside, bronze accents, a brown Ultrasuede interior and an exclusive shift knob complete the package. And of course, Hakone badging is everywhere.
Only 860 Hakone Editions will be available in the US, up from the 200 copies sold in Japan but still not much. Prices have not been announced yet, but demand will likely be high, as not even all 1,500 Toyotas dealers will be able to get their hands on one when they hit showrooms in the fall of 2024.