Another day, another rumor regarding the
next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins. The latest one to emerge from
Motor 1 citing an unnamed insider claims that the new models could launch as
early as July 2021.
The publication alleges to have received a
photo from an internal Toyota presentation that reveals the new sports car,
reportedly dubbed the GR 86 in Toyota guise, and will launch in less than 18
months as a 2022 model year vehicle. It’s safe to assume that the
Subaru-branded variant will arrive at the same time.
The new 86 and BRZ will adopt a modified
version of Toyota’s TNGA architecture and the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter
boxer four-cylinder engine of the outgoing models will be replaced with the
turbocharged 2.4-liter engine of the Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Ascent. This
engine is good for 260 hp and 375 Nm and will give the 86 and BRZ
twins some much-needed extra oomph.
Interestingly, Toyota recently launched
the Supra in the U.S and Europe with an entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder offering up 255 hp and 400 Nm so it’ll be interesting
to see how the Japanese car manufacturer aims to differentiate the GR 86 from
the base Supra and sell both models at the same time.
One key differentiating factor between the
new GR 86 and the Supra will likely be the fact that the former is available
with a six-speed manual transmission while the Supra remains exclusively (for
now, at least) available with a ZF 8-speed automatic.
