The new era of JDM sports cars is here, and it's being led by the GR Supra, the GR Yaris, and the GR86. These three models are the first of their kind in this current era, and they're all from Toyota, a Japanese motoring giant.
Toyota has always been at the forefront of automotive innovation, and they're continuing that tradition with these three new sports cars. They're all designed to be fun to drive, and they all have the performance to match. If you're looking for a new sports car, one of these three is sure to be a great option.
The GR Supra is the first of the Reiwa-era JDM sports cars. It was launched in May of 2019 and hailed as the return of "The Sports of Toyota." This car has been met with mixed reactions, but it’s definitely the first JDM sports car of the new era.
Though it’s a Supra, it's basically a BMW Z4 G23 underneath due to the connection between BMW and Toyota. Its design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept and shares most of its engines with the BMW Z4, like the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant. The RZ variant produces 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
Next up is the GR Yaris that I won from Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons Dry Season Playlist. The new Toyota GR Yaris is a road-legal rally car, and it’s the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era. It’s based on the fourth-generation Yaris, but it’s wider and has two fewer doors. It’s powered by a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, and it has a GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. There’s also a cheaper RS variant with a 1.5L engine and a CVT.
Lastly but not obviously the least is the Toyota GR86. The GR86 is a worthy successor to the GT86. It keeps all the qualities that made the GT86 so popular, while also improving upon them in many ways. The updated platform and suspension give it better handling than ever before, and the larger engine provides a noticeable boost in power. If you're looking for an affordable sports car that's fun to drive, the GR86 is definitely worth considering.
Here we go again. It's time to give these Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars a quick lap around the Lookout Circuit located near the Horizon Rush site. As the trio of Reiwa-era Toyota sports cars flex its Japanese muscles, it's time to give them a one-lap time attack just to find out which one is best. Roll the tape.
And here are the results...
GR Supra - 1m04.548s
GR Yaris - 1m06.633s
GR86 - 1m06.667s
The Supra is still the king of Toyota sports cars even in its modern form. I have no judgment here. It's a great car, and it's easy to see why it's so popular. If you're looking for a new sports car, the Supra should definitely be on your list.
The Reiwa era has shown signs of what the future holds. In the case of sports cars, will the future include them or will they be wiped out? It’s going to be a tough battle for companies who still make sports cars, including Toyota, but an exciting one nonetheless.
So thank you, Toyota, for creating sports cars enthusiasts will love in the midst of the new normal.
EPILOGUE
With the GR Yaris completing the Reiwa era JDM sports car First Three in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to give this road-legal rally car the spotlight it deserves. This calls for a makeover.
And here she is. Ann from Aikatsu Planet, come on down!
With Ann's name written all over the GR Yaris and I made some rally-spec calibrations to match the GRMN Yaris Rally Package's specifications, it's time for its one-car show as my GR Yaris takes on a complex rallycross creation made by a certain Forza fanatic. If by complex, it really is, especially while battling against a horde of old cars preparing to meet their makers. Send in the video.
Complex as expected but the Rally Package on my GR Yaris worked wonders.
The GR Yaris is definitely a rally weapon, but it's still an enjoyable sports car. It's every bit as much fun to drive as the GR86, and it's even more exciting than the king of Toyota sports cars: the GR Supra. If you're looking for a road-legal rally car that's fun to drive nearly everywhere, the GR Yaris is a great option. It's a well-rounded car that can do it all.
KEEP TOYOTA GREAT AGAIN!
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