Skip advert
Advertisement

Cosworth GT86 review

This Toyota GT86 has been tuned by Cosworth to produce up to 280bhp - but it's expensive

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota GT 86
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The upgrades from British motorsport experts at Cosworth unlock the GT 86’s inner potential we’ve longed for since launch – but at a price. It’s not as aggressive or raucous as you might think, either, simply heightening the standard car’s character. The Cosworth GT86 is fun, but at this level it pushes it close to the best in the business from Audi, BMW and Porsche.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re in the market for a hotter Toyota GT 86, take note – thanks to motorsport specialists Cosworth you can now bag one with a healthy 280bhp and 305Nm of torque - that’s 83bhp and 100Nm more than standard. But can it release the rear-drive coupe’s potential?

The engine runs what Cosworth calls the full Stage 2.3 upgrade kit, including a supercharger, a high-flow air filter and intake, a new exhaust system and a new race-spec ECU.

Out on the road it’s the torque you notice the most. There’s more performance lower down compared to the standard car, but it’s still not quite as you might expect. If you want the full hit, you still have to rev the ‘boxer’ engine out to its raised 7,200rpm limit. Keep your foot to the floor and it scorches through the gears, but as our test car wasn’t fitted with the full exhaust (capping power at 260bhp) the engine still sounded coarse inside.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLA

2022 Mercedes

GLA

42,736 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £24,997
View GLA
X1

2022 BMW

X1

46,330 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,899
View X1
4 Series

2020 BMW

4 Series

24,009 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £14,899
View 4 Series
Arona

2024 SEAT

Arona

15,625 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,699
View Arona

Cosworth hasn’t officially announced any performance figures for its power pack, but says 0-62mph takes just under five seconds for the full fat car using the built-in launch control system. That’s 2.6 seconds quicker than standard.

It’s not just the GT 86’s engine that has been tweaked, either. Cosworth has equipped the car with new KW suspension, so its even firmer and more focused – but the body control is good, so with more power and an extra responsive edge to the chassis.

While the standard car is fitted with the same tyres as the Prius hybrid, which meant the chassis was playful but grip ran out quickly, here we have 18-inch lightweight alloys and fatter, grippier tyres. As a result it hangs on better through the bends, while a brake upgrade from British manufacturer AP Racing means it’ll stop hard, too.

Inside, it’s just as practical as the standard car, with a roomy cabin and a decent sized boot as the modification don’t alter the GT 86’s basic shape. There is one rather large drawback to this car’s upgrades, however. Cosworth brakes its enhancements down into stages, with Stage 1.0 the start, rising to 1.3, before Stage 2.0 adds the supercharger.

As a result prices can vary, but go for the full-on pack and it’ll cost you £7,235 excluding VAT and fitting costs. Add that to the price of a new mid-spec GT 86 and the price will be close to £35,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,875
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025