The new Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ will offer much more power

The new Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ will offer much more power and undergo significant changes to their interior. In addition, the GT86 could change its name.

The new sports models; the Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ, could have more than 260 CV. These figures could be generated by a Subaru boxer engine and will be built on the TNGA platform of Toyota.

Toyota and Subaru are accelerating the development of a successor to the GT86 and BRZ sports models, and some sources have claimed that the Toyota version will be renamed GR86.

The future GT86 and BRZ will feature a boxer engine and will be built on the TNGA platform of Toyota

The GT86 and BRZ were launched in 2012, and their future had been in doubt due to relatively low sales. But both companies have committed to developing a replacement, with the Toyota version as a key part of the brand’s growing line of high-performance cars.

The head of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, is one of the main advocates of using performance models to improve the brand’s image in the Gazoo Racing division, which also includes several Toyota motorsport programs.

The original Toyota GT86 predated the creation of that sub-brand, which began with the GR Supra and will also include the GR Yaris, the first model developed exclusively by Gazoo Racing. The next GT86 will be renamed to align with that new nomenclature.

Toyota’s next-generation sports car will feature some substantial changes over the existing model. While the original was built on a Subaru platform, the company’s current architectures are not suitable for rear-wheel-drive cars, so we understand the new model will be built on the TNGA platform of Toyota.

While Toyota’s bases will be used, Subaru is expected to once again take the lead in powertrain development. We understand the car is likely to retain a four-cylinder flat boxer engine, and reports in Japan suggest the existing 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit will be replaced by the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine currently used in the Ascent, Legacy and Outback.

That engine produces 260 CV in the Ascent, a figure that would represent a significant improvement in output over the outgoing model. Forced induction would also provide a substantial improvement in torque over the current car, providing appeal to those who were not satisfied with the performance of the outgoing GT86 and BRZ. Both brands may wish to retain the driving feel and character of a naturally aspirated unit, but this must be balanced against what buyers demand, and that appears to be the growl of a turbocharged unit.

A commitment to sportiness

Toyota and Subaru will also want to improve the aesthetic appeal of the new car, both inside and out. The old GT86 and BRZ were heavily criticised for their basic cabin, so improvements in technology, materials use and fit and finish are expected. It remains to be seen whether the model becomes a true four-seater to really help it compete with more practical rivals.

Such changes, particularly the power upgrade, are likely to push up the price of both models. However, both brands will be aware of the proximity of more premium models, such as the Audi TT and the BMW Z4. Toyota will also not want to tread on the toes of its own Supra, particularly in Japan, where a four-cylinder version of the reborn sports car is offered.

The second generation of the BRZ and GT86 will build on the expanding links between Subaru and Toyota. In addition to the sports car, the two companies are joining forces to develop a new platform for electric cars and a fully electric SUV.

Toyota is considering hybrid versions of future performance car models, but only once the weight of the systems is reduced. The Japanese firm is in the process of electrifying all its models, with a strong focus on hybrid systems. But the new GR Yaris will only be offered with a 1.6-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, even though 80% of Yaris sales are expected to be hybrids.

Naohiko Sato, chief engineer of the GR Yaris, said that while a hybrid system would fit the car and was under evaluation, Toyota did not believe it was suitable for high-performance cars. “At this moment, if we choose an electrified powertrain for a sports car, it would be heavier,” Sato said. “We decided that it is not the right path at this time. Perhaps when the technology improves and we have new technology that allows lighter powertrains, it could be good.”

“At this time, plug-in hybrids such as the Prius and RAV4 can have large batteries because they are not sports cars, but it is better not to have a large battery for a sports car.”

Technical specifications of this car

CoupeSubaru BRZ1 version · from 43,000 €