The new Toyota GR86: from nought to sell-out in 90 minutes
The new Toyota GR86 has proved an instant sell-out with the entire UK allocation of cars being snapped up within 90 minutes of going on sale on Wednesday morning (20 April).
Anticipation was high for this third member of Toyota’s elite GR line-up of performance models, and a rapid take-up was expected when the order books opened. To help ensure everyone had an equal and fair chance of securing a car, an exclusively online ordering process was implemented for this model.
Customers who weren’t able to place an order on Wednesday have been given the opportunity to join a waiting list for any cancellations. Their place on the list is linked to the time at which they signed to join the list, so the “first come, first served” principle is maintained.
The response reflects the hugely enthusiastic reception given to early prototypes by the UK’s automotive media and customers’ desire not to miss out on what will be a comparatively rare car. The production run for Europe is limited to just two years and, as Toyota made clear from the outset, “when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Mark Roden, Toyota (GB) Operations Director, said: “The phenomenal response to GR86 is a sign of how it is fulfilling its role as a thoroughbred sports car that’s affordable as well as thrilling to drive. Our Gazoo Racing-engineered models – GR Supra and GR Yaris – have generated an exceptional buzz with their competition-tuned performance and handling, helping raise expectations of what GR86 will deliver.”
There will be another opportunity for customers to obtain a GR sports car with manual transmission later this year, following Toyota’s recent announcement that it will introduce a manual version of the GR Supra coupe. Further details will be announced soon.
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