The Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ is a new welcomed addition in the currently diminished sports car market. Compared to the previous model, plenty of changes have been done, from the usage of a new boxer in-line four to a complete style makeover and a different handling characteristic.

Compared to the previous 2.0L FA20 unit, the FA24 has a displacement of 2.4L, improving the torque and power figures, all while removing the now-famous torque dip the GT86 had at around 4000 rpm. Currently, the GR86/BRZ has an output of 226 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, from a naturally aspirated engine that’s also mounted on the Subaru WRX, Levrog, Outback, and Ascent but in a turbocharged fashion. Consequently, this FA24 unit still has a lot of room for additional tuning, the engine being quite over-engineered.

Despite all this newfound power, the GR86/BRZ didn’t pack too much extra weight, which coupled with the fantastic 53:47 weight balance and its new highly rigid chassis translates into a supremely tossable and agile sports car rivaling the staple roadster Mazda MX-5.

Compared to other sports cars and hot hatches on the market, like the Mazda MX-5, the legendary Honda S2000, the all-new Subaru WRX, the popular Honda Civic Si, or the precise Golf R, the GR86/BRZ performs as well and even better. It beat the Mazda MX-5, Mk 7 Golf R, or the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye around the Dunnville Autodrome. However, in a straight line, the only car listed above that wins against GR86/BRZ is the WRX, which sports all-wheel drive, and the supercar-tramping Hellcat Redeye.