They say all good things come to an end but sometimes that’s far sooner than it should be.
There’s a long list of cars which have been consigned to automotive history and some had an all-too-brief life on the road.
One of them is a superb sports coupe from Toyota which had one of the shortest careers and it’s a real shame.
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The GR86 appeared in 2022 as an improved version of the previous GT86, developed 10 years earlier alongside the Subaru BRZ – which has also disappeared – combining the engineering expertise of both brands.
For the latest version, Toyota took the original model and ironed out some of the issues which had been highlighted by owners such as its nervy handling when being exerted and the need for more oomph to match its sporty profile.
It also came in for criticism of the interior finish which compared unfavourably for quality against some of its competitors.
So they did some tweaking and gave the updated GR86 a larger engine with better torque and power, a Track Mode for raw circuit performance, a stiffer chassis with limited slip differential and aluminium for the roof, bonnet and front wings reduced weight and lowered the centre of gravity to make the car more settled when being put through its paces.
It’s got a new-look front and rear but fortunately they kept its core appeal – a true sports coupe with the key elements of front engine and rear-wheel-drive to make it fun and guarantee a smile on the face of any driver lucky enough to get behind the wheel.
And it was a case of luck. I’m told the initial UK allocation of just 500 cars sold out in only an hour-and-a-half when it first went on sale.
Since then Toyota have managed to import a few more but the books closed in October and sadly there will be no more which is a pity for anyone who missed out, but a potential second-hand value bonus for those who, like the car itself, were quick off the mark.
Luck was on my side as I got hold of one of the last to come here and I have to say I really enjoyed myself in the traditional seat-of-the-pants coupe, which will be much-missed once we move over to the all-electric generation.
The new breed of EVs are getting better all the time, but for the moment, you simply can’t beat the growl and heartbeat from a traditional internal combustion engine.
While there have been changes under the surface, the body style is the same and there is just one trim with the only options
being a six-manual gearbox or a pointless automatic and the choice of either metallic or pearlescent paintwork.
The interior is much better with a full seven-inch digital driver display with clever lighting tricks when you switch on the ignition and if you’re bold enough to select the Track Mode, it changes character with a large rev counter in the centre of the screen.
The eight-inch central touchscreen is not the most sophisticated but it does what’s needed and while there’s no satnav included, you can get maps by connecting your phone on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The layout is businesslike and straightforward and frequently-used systems like heating are controlled through knobs and toggle switches rather than a screen menu.
Along with a conventional manual handbrake and precise short-shift gears, it feels very driver-focused, especially when you’re gripped in the suede and leather sports seats.
Without a turbo, the larger 2.4 litre engine does well and while the standing start time of 6.3 seconds isn’t the fastest, it feels like lightning when you’re sitting so low on the road.
Head and legroom in the front is good but tight in the back for adults while the boot is just about adequate for a couple of weekend bags.
I’m glad I got one last chance to drive the GR86. I’ll miss it.
Toyota GR86
PRICE: £30,140
ENGINE: 2387cc 4-cyl boxer 6-speed manual
POWER: 231 bhp
TORQUE: 250 Nm
TOP SPEED: 140mph
0-62mph: 6.3 secs
MPG: 32 mpg combined
CO2 EMISSIONS: 200 g/km
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Columnist Divert me Latest News Alan Douglas
