The Toyota GR86 Hakone special edition is set to captivate driving enthusiasts with its homage to the legendary Hakone Turnpike in Japan. This exclusive variant of the GR86, adding to the infamous Toyota 86 lineage, combines striking aesthetics with performance enhancements to deliver a thrilling driving experience. Distinguished by its Ridge Green exterior, bronze wheels, and unique Hakone badge, this model is built on the GR86 Premium grade and offers a choice between a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Under the hood, a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine generates 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring robust performance to match its eye-catching design.

The Hakone Turnpike, located near Tokyo, is a famed driving route celebrated for its challenging curves and scenic views. This stretch of road has long been a favorite among driving enthusiasts and has inspired the creation of the GR86 Hakone special edition. The road’s unique combination of sharp turns and breathtaking vistas makes it an ideal testing ground for high-performance vehicles, and the GR86 Hakone is designed to bring that same exhilarating driving experience to its owners.

The GR86 Hakone is one of the lightest sports cars on the market, weighing just 2,811 pounds for the manual transmission model. This lightweight design, coupled with modern engineering and tech features, ensures an engaging and dynamic driving experience. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-24 engine provides robust power, with a 0-to-60 acceleration time of 6.1 seconds for the manual and 6.6 seconds for the automatic transmission. Inside, drivers enjoy a low-slung, driver-focused cockpit with a digital instrument panel, push-button start, and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Only 860 units of the Hakone special edition will be produced for the U.S. market, making it a rare and highly desirable model for enthusiasts.

The introduction of the GR86 Hakone special edition certainly adds an intriguing chapter to the GR86 lineage, drawing inspiration from the iconic Hakone Turnpike in Japan. While the special edition boasts interesting features like a unique paint job and bronze wheels, it raises the question of its necessity. Toyota has consistently produced successful models for their next-generation models amongst their growing fleet, and while the GR86 Hakone is undeniably attractive, the need for another variant of the 86 platform, personally is debatable. Ultimately is this just another “Special Edition” 86/BRZ added to the platform?