NEW TOYOTA GR86 HAKONE

The limited-edition GR86 Hakone stands out with a striking new colour scheme, an uprated brake and suspension package, and changes to the automatic transmission, which has surprised TNZ by becoming the more popular customer choice. Based on buyer preference, nine of the 15 Hakone Edition cars available to buy will be autos. The shipment has landed, allocations will be made in February, and the cars will be delivered in March, precisely two years after deliveries of the (even more exclusive) 10th Anniversary GR86.
The Hakone name comes from a Japanese turnpike that is famous for mountain racing. The exterior colour scheme is a surefire conversation starter, and is quite unlike anything else on the standard GR86 palette, with Ridge Green paint and bronze-painted wheels mimicking muted forest hues. The combination looks very good indeed when the light is right. Inside, contrasting tan leather inserts and stitching add warmth to a now-familiar cabin and there’s a unique shift knob with Hakone badging similar to that on the bootlid.
Changes to the shift programming have improved the auto ’box, which can now be driven in a more sporting fashion as it has a proper manual override. This was clearly demonstrated when we rode alongside racing driver Chris Pither for hot laps of the Hampton Downs circuit. The auto cannot match the six-speed manual in a standing-start sprint (there’s a 0.4 sec deficit through 0-100km/h) but it fared very well on track in Sport mode with shifts via the wheel-mounted paddles. A key characteristic of the 2.4-litre engine is stronger, less peaky torque delivery, and the auto shifter really appreciates this. Also clearly apparent on track were the benefits of bigger brake rotors and Brembo calipers (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) and ZF Sachs dampers at each corner. Our resident racer was deeply impressed by the balance of the car at the limit.
A modest price premium of $2000 applies to the Hakone and don’t be surprised if demand comfortably outstrips supply. We would be queuing for one of the six manual cars if we didn’t already have a GR86 in the garage…