We drive the new Toyota GR 86 this month in MOTOR

The covers have been taken off. The technical details have been revealed. It’s finally time to get behind the wheel of the new Toyota GR 86. And we’ve got some questions that need asking. Luckily, we have a race track and access to a first-gen 86 to get all the answers we need to deliver you a sound verdict.

We cut lose to see if the new 2.4-litre Boxer has enough fight to keep up with the competition and see if it’ll still have naysayers crying for more grunt. Then it’s time to delve right into the experience to see if the 86 retains the uncompromising philosophy of old. Have a read to see just what Toyota did to improve an icon.

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As one door opens, another one closes. And this time it’s the use of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 in the Mercedes-Benz C63 S. We take a M177-powered C63 S Estate for one last blast to take a look back at the history of the iconic nameplate ahead of its switch to four-cylinder turbo (with hybrid assistance) grunt. A familiar soundtrack is soon to be lost from the C-Class.

While not direct competitors, the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 and McLaren 765LT have a lot in common. It’s all about the sensations behind the wheel. And we don’t need to be asked twice to drive two of the most involving supercars of the moment in bright sunshine on amazing European roads.

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That’s exactly the opposite of the weather we got when driving Jag’s updated F-Pace SVR. And while its made the go-fast SUV a little more liveable, it’s safe to say it remains happily unhinged. Kirby and snapper Alastair take the SVR to Skenes Creek Road in the seventh instalment of our road series. Things get a little muddy.

In the October issue we kick start our new track guide series with expert tuition this month from our gun driver, Warren Luff. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the little race track in country Victoria is often underrated as a technical challenge and for its grin-inducing fun. See how to get the best out of it.

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With its track warranty, a hot hatch you might want to take to the track is the Hyundai i30 N. It’s been heavily revised with more grunt and mechanical upgrades. However, the focal point is the new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Is it the default choice? We put it up against the hot Ford Focus ST to find out.

Elsewhere in the mag we rate the top 10 unlikely driver’s cars. And yes, there are some surprises in there. We plot our own Nismo version of the upcoming Nissan Z in Sweet Dream and uncover the highs and lows of the 996 Porsche Carrera in Icon Buyer.

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Other than that, we reveal the next-generation WRX in all its glory and highlight its nuts and bolts, as well as farewell the Lexus LS500 F Sport from the MOTOR garage.

You can find the October edition of MOTOR Magazine in stores, or get them delivered straight to your door at motor.subscription.com.au