#16 - Adventures With The GR86
----HUMBLE BEGINNINGS -----
Adventures with the Toyota GR86 started subtly in March 2024 with a group drive from Malibu into the Santa Monica Mountains. While waiting on Las Flores Canyon (great road if you haven't hit it) to photograph the group driving by, Chase stood out as the humble driver, last in the group. He was in a 2001 forest green Toyota Tacoma that was handed down by family. I met Chase on this drive, but later found him in a newly acquired GR86 Trueno; while finding my own access to a newly acquired 24' GR86 (nicknamed The Razor) from the rental car buddy. We met for a fun and successful night-shoot. This was during my first go in the GR86, which lasted 24 hours and ticked the car from 1,500 to 1,700 miles. Presumably the cars first time up Angeles Crest Highway & Malibu photoshoot, but it would not be the last.
THE NEXT TARGET -
The next goal was to link up with a co-worker I'd see on occasion and got to know better over time. Their Trueno GR86 struck as an opportunity to assemble the three of us for a shoot. As fate would have it, they were involved in an accident, so we waited out the repair phase. Unfortunately, they suffered a second accident and ended up moving on from the Trueno. Respect for their Photo Submission (below) from the second accident. The first incident was going down a canyon like Topanga and following too closely, but also feeling like the driver ahead was purposely slowing down and stifling their descent. Ultimately losing control while braking downhill in the wet, hitting the rear of that driver (no injuries). I didn’t ask for or receive details on this second incident and unfortunately it marked the end of their ownership. Not always pretty, but most importantly nobody was physically hurt.
Determination remained for a bigger meetup after these attempts failed. I happened to meet a Trueno owner (promise they aren't common) during an ACH shoot who was further out (like Garden Grove), but willing to attempt a Malibu meetup. After some attempts, the light seemed to be fading out and then a beckon shined through. Shift Robinson, as he's known in automotive media and enthusiast circles, came into view. Known as a Driving Developer, Instructor, and Content Creator that focuses on teaching and learning; not controversial clickbait. The network expanded through Shifts legwork and the group chat ended up with a good number of GR86 enthusiast willing to make the drive from anywhere SoCal to the Malibu Canyons on a Sunday morning.
GR86’s MEETUP IN MALIBU CANYONS
GRAND FINALE - @shift_robinson - @gr86.daisy - @jym.junky - @kyzirion - @callmedan1447 -
As fate would have it, the blue and red colored specs did not make it, which left a color matching group of black and white. All GR86 cool cats were welcome but this worked out great for the camera. Dan was welcomed as family in this regard, with his black 2024 Subaru BRZ Ts. The newly formed 86s crew cruised from PCH to higher canyon elevation, stopping on the way for photos and conversation. The GR86 can be a handful in motor maintenance and preventing catastrophic failure, but it's an overall great car. They boast a large network for ownership guidance along the way and naturally lead to more opportunities.
With a varying amount of info shared from each driver about their car, let's get to the features.
Kyle Zircon won't be included as he has since sold his GR86 for a Honda Civic Type R. Jokes of course, because the CTR is a respectable swap and it was a pleasure to meet Kyle. His 2023 model sat at 21k miles in Summer of 2025. With a modification list at Greddy Baffle Plate, Fujisubo A-R Exhaust, JDM Style Side Markers, Apex VS-5RS Forged Wheels, and Carbon Fiber Interiors.
Dan - 2024 Subaru BRZ Ts acquired in November 2024, lowered, alpharex trunk light, fog light bezels, STI vent flares. Dan has more modifications since and the whips looking great.
Shift Robinson is well known through social media and is a current Porsche Driving Instructor. We haven't spoke much lately, but one value of podcasting is the ability to stay connected. ‘Shifted Perspective’ by Sociology of Cars Podcast has a been a valuable platform to tune into it with full backing for what they are producing there. I found out about Shift from a SOC feature episode in 2025 and now he hosts Shifted Perspective with them.
2024 Trueno Edition - Pedders front top hats - Whiteline front camber bolts - SPC rear lower control arms - APEX VS-5RS wheels for track (17x8 +40, 5x100) - Continential ExtremeContact Force's (225/45/17) for track - Perrin brake master cylinder brace - AnsixAuto oil pressure sensor & CAN harness kit - Amsoil 0w40 oil & filter (plus overfill) - Formula Delta prototype large capacity oil pan - Motul trans. & diff. fluid - Endless brake & clutch fluid - Track alignment by Monrovia Alignment (-3.3 front camber, -2.5 rear camber, 0.3 rear toe in)
Purchased April 2024 - Over 7,500k miles - Full body ppf - led lighting to all interior lights, door puddles, trunk lighting, and 4th brake led light - its my dual purpose weekend driver/track car - Created a YouTube channel to share the journey of knowledge and driving techniques (grip & drift): Shift_Robinson
This 2022 model named Daisy grabs attention in an awesome way. Jean made this acquisition during challenging times and it became a project to build with her daughter. With a feature in Rolling Magazine (July 2025), Top 10 at WinterFest, and 2nd Place Toyota at Spring Blast AutoFest they've received recognition. Seibon FA-Style Carbon Fiber Hood - Prisma nrg seat - Carbonfiber trunk - PLM Axle Back Exhaust (Dual Tip) - LOWGLOW underglow kit - battleaero Swan Neck Chassis Mount Kit - NRG 5 point harness bar custom interior custom star light and interior RBG lighting - Quick release NRG - Kirby themed
This meetup took place a year ago in Summer of 2025. It's nice to reflect on this day. HUGE THANKS to you all that showed up reppin’ the 86 platform and contributing to this story. If you haven’t driven one yet tap that friend on the shoulder or search your Turo app because its a needed experienced
Finding Community Through Cars *Bonus Feature*
It's a pleasure to include a buddy known in the automotive world as Zenjjay (instagram handle) after he gained experiences with the same GR86. It was sick to find out the exhaust was modified through a video he put out…absolutely popping off. I've been back in the 2016 og ND Miata since it received some exhaust modification (great fun), but not the GR86. On my last drive it performed well but had ongoing CEL and cluster related issues. I was told to ignore them on that trip and it drove great as mentioned. When I called for this phone interview he was driving the 86. Jay confirmed the motor is at number three now with the mileage at 41,000. Impressive in a variety of ways. Potential lemon law candidate while also being a super trooper. Jay is a huge Toyota enthusiast with experience driving and shooting various Corolla and GR86 specs. He confirms while still having issues with lights popping off it's been running good.
For his first time drive it was a weekday commuter car and weekend fun. The modified exhaust was the chosen favorite feature. I don't personally recall the trunk space being an issue but this was a downside for Jay. While not experiencing the issue firsthand, he also mentioned a concern of reported windshield cracks, based on the glass positioning plus low ride height. We acknowledged that while it could use some more torque, Toyota released this in an intelligent way. Leaving room to learn the car in a pure form before drawing more power from it. While also needing to satisfy emissions. Jay describes it as a,"Driving machine that can keep up with most supercars in the canyon.”
He has previous experience with a red GR86 and white spec with RSR Suspension. All three in manual.
RSR Suspension spec PHOTOS BY JAIR MUNOZ
Connecting with enthusiast automatically, just from having the same car. At Newcomb’s Ranch Jay saw a younger driver in a BRZ Ts trying donuts near some objects. Rather than just watch, or start recording for the Gram, he went over to talk with them. They took the advice and found a better place to practice. Good on you for that one mate.
This has been my favorite story to tell so far. The opportunity to celebrate a proper, modern sportscar that many enthusiast get behind was huge. From receiving first dibs on The Razor when acquired at 1,500 miles, to the first 24-hour experience, to the news it's been sold from the fleet. Only to later find out the deal didn't go through and for now it's still around. Will be sure to document what happens with this one down the road. Personally, it's time to plan a drive with the exhaust upgrade. Here's to racking up the miles while there’s time and continuing to go for the adventure!
For more 86 reads see Photojournal entry #9 for a full review of The Razor
www.cameracarspot.com/photojournal/gr86review
