The 2024 Toyota GR86 is a much-anticipated refresh for the popular sports car, offering enthusiasts an exciting blend of performance and practicality. While the focus naturally falls on the driving experience, the car's infotainment system plays a crucial role in the overall driving experience. This article delves deep into the all-new infotainment system of the GR86, exploring its features, functionality, and how it integrates with the driver's needs.
Stepping Up the Tech Game
Previous iterations of the 86 were criticized for lacking a modern infotainment system. Thankfully, Toyota has addressed this concern in the 2024 GR86. The centerpiece is a brand new 8-inch touchscreen display. This larger display replaces the smaller, button-heavy interfaces of the past, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The system itself is reported to be quicker and more responsive than before, a significant upgrade for a car targeting tech-savvy drivers.
Standard Features and Connectivity
The 2024 GR86 boasts a generous list of standard infotainment features. Let's explore some key aspects:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These smartphone integration platforms are now commonplace, and thankfully, the GR86 comes equipped with both. This allows seamless access to your phone's music, navigation, messaging, and other compatible apps directly through the car's touchscreen.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: Enjoy a wider variety of music, news, and talk radio with SiriusXM satellite radio. A subscription is required, but it provides a significant upgrade over traditional FM radio, especially in areas with limited station selection.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream music wirelessly from your phone or connect your phone for hands-free calling and texting. Bluetooth is a must-have feature for any modern car, and the GR86 delivers in this regard.
- Audio System: Specific details about the standard audio system are yet to be revealed, but it's safe to assume it will be a decent setup tailored to the car's sporty character. Upgraded audio options might be available on higher trims.
Extra Points: Exploring Additional Features
While the standard features offer a solid foundation, there's always room for more. Here's a look at some potential extra features that might be available on higher trims or as optional packages:
- Navigation System: An integrated navigation system can be a valuable addition, especially for unfamiliar roads. Toyota might offer their own navigation system or integrate with popular third-party options like Google Maps or Waze.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: A Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to connect your passengers' devices to the internet, keeping them entertained on longer journeys. This feature is becoming increasingly common and could be a welcome addition for the GR86.
- JBL Premium Sound System: For audiophiles, a premium sound system from a renowned brand like JBL could be an enticing upgrade option. This would deliver a more immersive listening experience, perfect for enjoying your favorite music while cruising.
- Head-Up Display (HUD): A head-up display projects essential information like speed, navigation, and warnings directly onto the windshield within the driver's line of sight. While not essential for performance driving, a HUD can enhance convenience and safety.
Designed for the Driver
A crucial aspect of the GR86's infotainment system is how it integrates with the driver's needs. The focus should be on minimizing distractions and keeping information readily available. Here's what to expect:
- Simple and Clean Interface: The user interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, with large, clearly labeled buttons and minimal clutter. This ensures you can access the features you need quickly and safely while driving.
- Voice Commands: Voice commands allow you to control various functions like music playback, navigation, and phone calls without taking your hands off the wheel. This is a significant safety benefit, especially for features that might require scrolling through menus otherwise.
- Steering Wheel Controls: Dedicated buttons on the steering wheel allow for quick access to frequently used functions like volume control, track skipping, and answering calls. This keeps your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Customizable Settings: The ability to customize the infotainment system to your preferences is a nice touch. This might include adjusting the display brightness, setting up quick access menus, and personalizing audio settings.
Protecting Your Tech Investment
With a sleek touchscreen display as the centerpiece of the infotainment system, protecting it from scratches and fingerprints becomes essential. Here's where screen protectors from Screenshield come in handy. They offer a variety of options to suit your needs:
- Optic+ Anti-Glare Screen Protector: Reduces glare and improves visibility, especially on bright days or when driving with the sun behind you. This is perfect for maintaining focus on the road and minimizing distractions caused by screen glare.
- Optic+ Nano Glass Screen Protector: Offers superior scratch resistance compared to traditional film protectors. This is ideal for drivers who are concerned about damaging the touchscreen with everyday use or accidental contact with keys or other objects.
- Optic+ Premium Film Screen Protector: Provides a balance between scratch protection and clarity. This is a good option for those who want a more affordable screen protector without sacrificing too much on touch sensitivity or screen quality.
- Clear Diamond Anti-Viral Screen Protector: This innovative screen protector not only protects against scratches and fingerprints but also boasts an anti-viral coating that can help reduce the spread of germs on the touchscreen surface. This is a great option for those who prioritize hygiene, especially in a shared car environment.
Choosing the Right Screen Protector
Screenshield offers a variety of screen protectors, each with its own strengths. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Your Needs: Prioritize scratch resistance, anti-glare properties, blue light protection, or germ reduction based on your individual needs and driving habits.
- Budget: Screen protectors range in price depending on the material and features offered. Choose the option that best fits your budget.
- Clarity and Touch Sensitivity: While some screen protectors offer superior protection, they might slightly reduce screen clarity or touch sensitivity. Screenshield's Optic+ line is known for striking a good balance between protection and user experience.
