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.
CarScoops understands that 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 277 lb-ft (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 295 lb-ft (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.