After the relatively lacklustre sales of the GT86, one can hardly blame Toyota for only allocating a mere 400 units of its successor - the GR 86 - to the British Isles. However, a lot has changed since Toyota launched its demure, rear-wheel-drive coupe in 2012. The Gazoo Racing department has gone from strength to strength in the motorsport arena and the showrooms, conquering Le Mans, the WRC and Dakar, whilst launching the A90 Supra and already iconic GR Yaris. Toyota's reputation as a builder of driver's cars has soared, and now the hot-shoes in Gazoo have finally fulfilled the latent potential of the 86.

The additional 50 (real-world) bhp, tweaked suspension, Michelin tyres and 50 % increase in torsional rigidity have led to huge critical acclaim, causing the initial allocation to sell out in a mere ninety minutes. Those who missed out signed up to a reserve list, and one year later, Toyota UK pulled a rabbit out of a hat with an extra batch of cars. Only those already on the reserve list will be invited to order a car, via email.

We don't know exactly how many more units will come to the UK, however, we can confirm all cars must be delivered in 2023 due to the pretty snout of the GR 86 falling foul of tightened 2024 crash legislation. Toyota requires a (fully refundable) £1,000 commitment to secure a build slot via an online-only portal. Only after selecting your specification and preferred payment method - cash or finance - can you specify your preferred dealership. Although this is certainly an unexciting way to part with £33,000, Toyota advises it is the only fair method to allocate cars and prevent a Porsche-dealer style 'favouritism' model.

That list price includes a hike of £2,500 over the initial batch of 400, but the GR 86 remains exceptional value compared to the rest of the performance car marketplace. Another minor gripe is the removal of the stunning Electric Blue, as pictured, from the options list. The hardest pill to swallow for prospective buyers will be the hike in APR, up to 8.4 % from the original 5 %, thanks to the increased cost of borrowing money.

Combined with the higher list price, this means with a circa £4,000 deposit, the monthlies on a GR 86 will now set you back a potential £475. That's some leap from the initial £5,000 down, £299/month outlay, which may cause some individuals to think twice given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Others may have bought an alternative car in the meantime, so if you're not on the waitlist and want a GR 86, don't throw in the towel just yet.

Anyone concerned about Toyota flooding the marketplace with GR 86s should rest easy. We've had no official communication, but the rumour mill is suggesting a total supply of 1,000 cars. Given almost 4,000 GR Yaris have come to the UK and values remain in excess of that car's list price, even with the additional outlay, the GR 86 will remain a safe bet.

Toyota Confirms Additional GR 86 Allocation for the UK