Integra23
Senior Member
What's the chances you could even buy a GR Corolla? I have seen ads pop-up for the dang thing. Not sure why with only 2000 units slated for the US. I'm betting on a premium mark-up of 5k+ probably closer to 10k for the circuit edition. It would help if Toyota had a reservation system like Acura did. My local Toyota dealer said they weren't creating a reservation list and are waiting to see what they are allotted. Also they mentioned with all of the delays it won't be available till sometime next year.For me it’s down to 3 or 4 cars. The 2022 GR86 Premium MT, The 2023 GR Corolla Circuit Edition MT, the 2023 Integra A-Spec Tech MT, and possibly the 2024 Integra Type-S MT.
Timing wise the Integra A-Spec Tech MT is going to win for now. As I can’t find a GR86 anywhere for a reasonable price, and the sister car is the 2022 BRZ Limited MT, that is order-able for the fall for a good price at my local Subura dealer but I’d much rather get the GR86 Premium MT for the ducktail spoiler, the better square from grill, and the GR team’s suspension tweaks over the 2022 Subaru BRZ. From the reviews I’ve seen on the 2022 GR86 vs the BRZ, the GR86 just seems a tad more fun and playfull, a tad more controllable at the limits, while the BRZ is more laser like, and the differences are minimal in any case. The GR86 just looks sexier though. And the other two cars, the Integra Type-S and the GR Corolla are still a ways off, especially since I’m third in line for my Toyota dealer’s GR Corolla allotments.
So most likely I’ll buy the 2023 Integra A-Spec Tech MT for now, then I’ll upgrade later to the GR Corolla or the Integra Type-S. If the Integra Type-S has SH-AWD it will trump the GR Corolla as it’s an a more upscale car. If the Type-S remains FWD it will be a much harder choice. As the GR Corolla has 300 HP, a rally based AWD system, and a manual hatchback design to seal the deal.
However, this plan means I will never get to own a GR86 and I find that sad, it’s such a pure perfectly balanced (as all things should be) naturally aspirated RWD light sports car experience, even the GR Corolla and or the Integra Type-S it will feel quite as pure even with AWD and far more HP. However it’s also cheaper on the interiror comparatively, I’ve always found the Civic Si to be a better screwed together car with a smoother engine, just not quite as exciting and sporty overall as a BRZ/86.
Yet in return you get all the utility back in the Civic or Interga with 4 or 5 doors. And better gas mileage. And the BRZ/GR86 lacks good places to put your phone, it has a strange cup holder location, the arm rest is not as good, the stereo is definitely nowhere near as good, the shifter is not as good, little things like that, more rattles, the roof is not braised as Honda and Acura does now ETC.
So it’s like a conundrum of how much are you willing to give up for that pure sports car RWD performance? For me, the AWD 300HP GR Corolla is a good compromise as would be the undoubtedly faster Integra Type-S with MT and SH-AWD. They better do SH-AWD however, or I might find myself leasing or financing the Integra for only a year, then rocking the GR Corolla from then on, which will be tough to have those extra Integra luxuries and then go backwards on features just for AWD and 300HP, but it will be worth it if so.
I'm in the same boat as you. I will be buying the manual Teggy and upgrading next year if the typeS lives up to the hype. Having an Acura dealer that doesn't mark-up over MSRP helps with this decision.
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