Test drive of the GR86 by the first 86 owner
A 20-year-old female racing driver, Ms. Rami Sasaki, who loves old cars, test drives the ENDLESS Toyota GR86 demo car! As an owner of the previous generation “86,” the tuned GR86 was of course of interest to her.
This year, in addition to the KYOJO CUP, she is also competing in the GR86/BRZ Cup
Ms. Rami Sasaki is a young racing driver born in 2004 who made her 4-wheel racing debut in the 2023 season in the KYOJO CUP, a motorsports category for women only held at Fuji Speedway.
In addition to racing, she works for MSC Corporation, the company that manages Formula Drift Japan, and spends her daily work and private life immersed in cars. In the season opener held on May 12, just after her birthday, she took the checkered flag in 5th place, her best finish. She will also make a spot entry in the GR86/BRZ Cup Clubman Series this season.
As a spot entrant in the GR86/BRZ Cup and an owner of a previous-generation 86 herself, Rami was interested in the latest model, the tuned GR86. While covering other old cars in the “Endless 130 Collection,” she was able to get a test drive in an ENDLESS demo car that was onsite.
ENDLESS development vehicle with various parts installed
This demo car was tuned mainly for the suspension. The suspension is based on the “Function PS”, which is suitable for all-rounders from the street to the race circuit. The brakes are MONO4 TA at the front and the prototype MONO2 at the rear, and the brake pads are the new SR01 from ENDLESS.
Also, parts other than those made by ENDLESS are installed. The muffler has been changed to FUJITSUBO’s A-R, and the aero parts are all GROW items. An HKS oil cooler was also installed for circuit driving, and the vehicle is also a development vehicle that is tested daily in all kinds of situations.
How does suspension damping force compare between soft and hard?
The ENDLESS suspension installed on this GR86 has a 20-level damping force adjustment, but we started driving on the soft setting.
“I was surprised that it was milder than I had imagined. I was surprised that it was milder than I expected. It is comfortable even in city driving. It feels comfortable to ride, and the information from the tires is also transmitted clearly and clearly. Also, it’s stable and doesn’t get out of control when there are gaps, which gives me a sense of security.”
After tasting the soft damping force, she decided to experience the difference by tightening the damping force. This time, the test ride was conducted with the damping force tightened by 12 levels.
“When the damping force is hardened, the ride quality becomes a little firmer, but the shaking subsides more quickly and the ride feels sharper, making driving more enjoyable.”
Braking feel with firm control even at the point where you step on the brake
She was also impressed with the feeling of the brakes.
“Compared to my 86, I was surprised at how much better the brakes stopped. The brakes are effective from the beginning, but the more you step on them, the more they work, and I have the impression that I can control them from the back.”
And because she owns the previous generation 86, she is also pleased with the GR86.
“The 2.4L engine has more low-speed torque, which makes city driving much easier. I can really feel it in normal driving, especially when starting. The clutch is very easy to engage, so I have less to worry about.”
Rami, the owner of the previous generation 86, felt the tuned GR86’s good qualities everywhere. The parts that she thought were good during this test drive may be utilized in tuning herown 86.