If you have paid attention to any automotive news this week, then you know about the arrival of the 2022 Toyota GR 86. The GR 86 is big news because it’s Toyota’s rear-drive coupe that’s far more affordable than its Supra stablemate. Additionally, many outlets have confirmed that it’s fun to drive and far better than the last iteration of the Toyota 86. But what improvements did Toyota make?

The Toyota GR 86’s body is sleeker and stronger than its predecessor

Take one look at the 2022 Toyota GR 86 and you might get Porsche vibes from its front end. This time around, Toyota incorporated sleeker styling cues and larger headlights than the outgoing 86 model, in addition to the duckbill rear lip spoiler.

But the new GR 86 isn’t just about aesthetics, in fact, Toyota even added some structural rigidity in the form of cross members between the front suspension and frame. There are also high-strength fasteners that connect the rear frame to the suspension mounts in order to handle more of a load when cornering. And while the 86 predecessor featured an aluminum hood, the GR 86 ups the ante with its strengthened aluminum hood, roof, and fenders for some additional weight savings.

The 2022 Toyota GR 86 has more horsepower

Underneath that stronger aluminum hood is a new powerplant as well. No, there’s no turbocharger or supercharger to be found. But if you have X-Ray vision, then you would be able to see that the engine was bored out to 2.4-liters as opposed to the outgoing 2.0-liter mill.

Car and Driver notes that the increase in displacement led to an increase in power as did a smoothed out intake plenum and exhaust plumbing for better airflow. The GR 86 produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is a nice bump over the 86’s 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. However, the option of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission remains the same.

The new model has a few new interior features

The 2022 GR 86’s interior doesn’t look too much different than the outgoing model. However, buyers will be treated to a better touchscreen infotainment display and a semi-virtual instrument cluster. And if you’re an audiophile, then you’ll want to opt for the available 10-inch subwoofer and upgraded 8-speaker sound system in the higher Premium trim level.

Toyota GR 86 buyers will also get a membership to NASA

No, we don’t mean that the GR 86 buyers will be clinking champagne glasses with Richard Branson in space. The NASA we’re referring to is the National Auto Sport Association. That’s right, all 2022 Toyota GR 86 buyers will get a free one-year membership that will enable them to attend one high-performance driving event on a race track in addition to a nice discount on tickets to any NASA-sanctioned events.

What better way to get to know your new GR 86 than flogging on a race track? Overall, we can see why the all-new Toyota GR 86 has been the talk of the town this week. It shows a lot of promise and looks like a lot of affordable fun.