New Toyota GR 86 Trueno Edition Is A Tribute to Initial D’s ‘Hachi-Roku’

The Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX is one of the most beloved car models in the JDM subculture. While the car’s actual look and performance itself are enough to garner a set of fans, what truly had skyrocketed the Hachi-Roku’s reputation to the moon is due to its appearance as the hero car in the cult manga/anime series, Initial D.

2024 Toyota GR 86 Trueno Edition

To celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, Toyota US is paying homage to the legendary AE86 by debuting the special Toyota GR 86 Trueno Edition for its 2024 Model Year update. As we all know, the GR 86 is the spiritual successor to the AE86, so it is truly befitting to give it the Trueno treatment for the AE86’s 40th birthday bash.

The GR 86 Trueno Edition rocks the same 'Panda' theme as the original AE86

Take a glance at the GR 86 Trueno Edition and you will immediately see its resemblance to the original Hachi-Roku. This special edition model is draped with the same white-and-black 'Panda' colourway as the Sprinter Trueno – the exact colour that granted it the ‘White Ghost of Akina’ moniker in the Initial D series. The only missing element from the GR 86 is the ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ livery like we saw in the anime/manga, but we’d reckon a quick trip to your local paintshop can resolve that immediately.

Aside from that, the GR 86 Trueno Edition rides on 18-inch 10-spoke aluminium wheels finished in gloss black.

Beyond the ‘Panda Trueno’ look, the GR 86 Trueno Edition actually boasts several performance upgrades to set it apart from the standard GR 86. This includes the new ZF Sachs dampers, as well as the Brembo four-piston brakes – both are specially tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR). Should you not dig the panda theme, you can get said performance upgrades via the Performance Package that is also offered in standard GR 86.

As for its powertrain, the Trueno Edition still harnesses the same 2.4-litre 4-cyl nat-asp ‘boxer’ mill co-developed with Subaru that delivers 228 HP and 259 NM. Said boxer engine is mated to either the six-speed automatic or manual transmissions, but we think only opting for the latter will truly give you a full ‘hachi-roku’ experience.

The ‘Trueno’ treatment continues once we get on board the GR 86 Trueno Edition, as it gets driver-centric cockpit design. Opting for the stick-shift version will grant you a special gear knob with ‘Trueno’ engraving on them. Aside from that, you’ll get standard GR parts like the leather-wrapped steering wheel, GR badge on the push-start buttons, and Ultrasuede-wrapped GR sport seats with side bolsters.

Regardless of your transmission options, all GR 86 Truenos will get special ‘Track Mode’, alongside the usual Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes. Said Track Mode button is placed right next to the VSC button for your convenience.

Another notable change for both the GR 86 Trueno Edition and the 2024MY update is the inclusion of Toyota’s Active Safety Suite for the manual transmission version of the GR 86. This will add ADAS features like Pre-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and many more. 

Notably, this addition is no surprise as we’ve previously reported that the GR 86’s twin, the Subaru BRZ manual variant, will also be getting Subaru’s EyeSight ADAS suite for the Japanese market.

The 2024 Toyota GR 86 Trueno Edition will commence its deliveries in the US later in winter this year, alongside the 2024MY update for the standard GR 86 model. With only 860 units available, we’re more than certain that the GR 86 Trueno will easily double its initial price tag in years’ time.