Sure, the 2022 Toyota GR86 owes a lot to its AE86 ancestor from the 1980s, which even entered popular culture via the Initial D manga/anime series and became a tuner hit. But many of the already-generous aftermarket developments targeting the still-fresh sportscar are naturally linked to its direct predecessor, the custom car darling that is the GT 86. So, how about a GR86 virtual build that ticks multiple boxes from Toyota’s factory and tuning past, as well as some from the carmaker’s present? Enter the JUN Auto GR86 rendering.
As mentioned above, the GR86 has already been gifted with plenty of aero, chassis, and powertrain upgrades and the list only keep growing. This is not only true for the real world, but also for virtual development such as the one parked on our screens right now.
The main feature of this second-generation Toyobaru involves the Mk V Supra headlights. However, while these bring a touch of freshness to an already youthful styling, the rest of the virtual build has a bit of a nostalgic vibe.
The GR86 (by the way, here’s Japanese drifter Daigo Saito’s 2JZ example) receives a widebody kit, with the overfenders being integrated in a way that might just make them pass as factory units. And while the front end sports a retro-styled apron and vented hood, the stock rear bumper is dwarfed by the generously-sized wing.
From the said front end work and wing to the wheels and especially the livery, this GR86 is a pixel nod to the work of Japanese tuner and racing specialist JUN Auto.
JUN Auto is a top Japanese developer, albeit an understated one
While JUN Auto came to the world in 1980, its history can be traced back to 1946, when Tanaka Industrial Ltd opened a research center for internal combustion engines.
Over the past few decades, JUN Auto ‘s work hasn’t just led to some memorable JDM tuner projects, but you can also find the specialist’s hardware under the hood of multiple racecars, with its characteristic yellow and green colors covering the cylinder heads being the tip here. All in all, the developer has a bit of an understated aura.
Working on all sorts of Japanese machines, JUN also took to the Bonneville Salt Flats, establishing multiple records on American soil—one of the most famous examples involves the 2001 JUN Akira Supra, when their Mk IV grabbed the laurels thanks to hitting 249.29 mph.
Company founder and chairman Junichi Tanaka sadly passed away in 2019, but JUN creations continue to draw attention.
For the record, JUN has worked on the first-gen Subaru BRZ sister car of the GT 86 and while we have yet to see them taking on the GR86, here’s to hoping this rendering doesn’t remain confined to the virtual world. Meanwhile, you can check out their BRZ in the YouTube clip below, with this sporting nothing less than a Synergy 2.4L V8.
And, due to the mix between the JUN take and the Mk V Supra light clusters seeming rather unlikely, we have to stick with a conservative RPM (real project in the making) Potential rating of 4/10.
The 3D work comes from digital artist Egor Bessonov (aka op80), who went all the way, even picturing a magazine article and a Tsukuba Circuit time attack challenge for his creation.
And, if we zoom in on that “magazine”, we’ll notice the vehicle was showcased as part of the Mashin Auto Salon (#MAS2022). This is a virtual auto show initiative coming from digital label Mashin Works, whose pixel stunts we’ve covered in the past.
As aptly pointed out in the comments section of the Instagram post below, the new front end look of the GR86 somehow reminds one of the Z30 Toyota Soarer (the 1991-2000 Gen III), so the retro aroma of the 3D work seems to go even deeper.
