The launch of the Toyota GR86 is delayed for being too similar to the Subaru BRZ

The automotive sector is changing a great deal, which mainly affects those vehicles willing to stay true to the principles of old. A clear example of this are the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86, two great sports cars that brought hope in a dark era for this type of car. Despite the restrictions in place, Subaru managed to launch a second generation of the BRZ that keeps the essence of its first iteration intact but will not reach Europe, so on this side of the pond we all focused our attention on the future Toyota GT86.

And, just as happened when these two vehicles were born, it is expected that only a narrow line will separate them in this second batch. However, this idea has not sat well with Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, who has ordered the development of what will be called the Toyota GR86 to be postponed.

The reason? It seems the Japanese firm wants to distance itself from its compatriots at Subaru, at least when it comes to styling. And while it is true that both the GT86 and the previous-generation BRZ differed only in their badges and little else, given that Toyota has established very clear design standards, it is understandable that they want to create a more noticeable difference.

With this premise, Mr. Toyoda has sent his engineers back to the drawing board to re-establish the parameters they will use to conceive the GR86. In this way, we can expect the Japanese sports car to arrive with noticeably different features and ready to offer a concept very similar to the BRZ but with its own nuances.

As far as mechanics are concerned, no novelties are expected in the Toyota sports car. It too will feature a naturally aspirated flat-four engine capable of producing 231 CV and 250 Nm of torque, figures that will be sent to the rear axle and managed through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Either way, this decision to redesign the Toyota GR86 will cause its launch to be delayed until next year at the earliest. That is the nature of pure, hardcore sports cars: they make us endure a wait that, without a doubt, will be worth it and will be a delight for everyone.