Toyota Releasing Special Edition 2025 GR86 with Upgraded Performance
Toyota recently introduced the Hakone Special Performance Edition of the 2025 GR86. This exclusive edition pays tribute to the Hakone Turnpike, also known as the Toyo Tires Turnpike, famous for its feature in the popular car manga, Initial D. Performance upgrades for the Hakone edition include enhanced dampers and brakes.
Echoing the 2020 GR86 Hakone, this edition sports a Ridge Green exterior—a deep green hue—and is built off the GR86 Premium grade, as stated on the official Toyota website. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, both powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 horsepower.
Additional upgrades include 18-inch satin bronze-finished wheels, a color-keyed ducktail spoiler, black accents, and a special edition badge. Inside, the car features Ultrasuede sport seats with tan leather trim and a unique Hakone shift knob.
The Hakone edition also boasts SACHS dampers and Brembo brakes for a sportier driving experience. Toyota has retuned the shock absorbers, electric power steering, throttle mapping, and torque control to give the GR86 a more responsive feel.
Only 860 units will be produced for the US market in 2025. Toyota will announce the price later this summer, with the car hitting showrooms in Fall 2024.
Japanese Brands Dominate Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Auto List
Subaru and Toyota are paving Consumer Reports’ Top 10 Picks of the Year. This marks a significant win for the Toyota corporation who also has a partial share in Subaru’s ownership. Among the other brands that topped the list includes Tesla, BMW and Mazda.
Each year, Consumer Reports selects their top 10 vehicles based on a range of criteria. Some of the criteria are road-test performance, predicted reliability and safety that helps consumers make wiser auto buying decisions. EVs (Electric Vehicles) and plug-in hybrid vehicles were also included in the top list.
Toyota led the list with 4 vehicles. Those were the Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Camry Hybrid and Prius and Prius Prime. Subaru was next on the list with the Crosstrek and Forester.
According to Consumer Reports, both brands offer “smartly engineered models with simple controls, comfortable cabins, infotainment and advanced safety features,” which are factors that matter most to consumers. These are the same models that topped 2023’s list as well.
The other models include:
- Ford Maverick & Maverick Hybrid
- Mazda3
- BMW X5 & X5 PHEV
- Tesla Model Y
Porsche Releasing Its First Ever Rear Wheel Drive Crossover
Porsche has announced the release of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) base model for their new electric variant of the Macan SUV, set to debut by the end of this year. The popular compact SUV lineup will also include the Macan 4S, positioned as the mid-level model between the Macan 4 and the Turbo.
The entry-level RWD model will feature a battery with a 95.0-kWh usable capacity, the same as the one found in the rear motor of the all-wheel-drive Macan 4, producing an estimated 335 horsepower. According to Porsche, the base model will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Due to its rear-wheel-drive configuration, this model will weigh less than the Macan 4.
The Macan 4S will be equipped with a rear-mounted motor paired with a front-axle motor, similar to the one found in the Turbo. It will produce approximately 442 horsepower, with the potential to boost up to 509 horsepower using the launch control feature, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds.
Both models will come standard with adaptive air suspension and dampers through the Porsche Active Suspension Management system. The new Macan will also debut a new color, Slate Grey Neo, and a 20-inch wheel design.
Orders for both models are open now. They are expected to arrive at dealerships by the end of 2024, with the RWD base model starting at $77,295 and the 4S priced at $86,895.
