The latest chapter in Subaru and Toyota’s obstinate refusal to turbocharge the BRZ/GR 86 is a rumor that’s been circulating online for a few weeks suggesting that Lexus will make a fancier, higher-power version of the car with a hybrid powertrain, instead of a turbo.
The rumor seems to have picked up steam when Twitter user Marin_Kawasaki shared a triplet of photos showing what they described as Subaru BRZ with a Lexus-style spindle grille camouflage on May 29, 2021. Whether these images are showing just that, some trick camouflage or if there’s a spindle grille indeed placed on the snout, is anyone’s guess.
As Jalopnik points out, there is a well-known tuner (AIMGAIN) that sells a Lexus grille as a kit for GT 86s, so the pictures aren’t quite irrefutable proof.
Read: 2022 Toyota 86 Makes A Good Impression During Our First Drive
Fast forward to this week and Japanese outlet Spyder7 is now reporting it “obtained rumors that [Toyota] was planning a Lexus version of the 86.” The site said that the powertrain will be made up of a 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor attached to make it a plug-in hybrid.
新型BRZテールなのにスピンドルグリルっぽいの付いてた#新型BRZ #新型86#SUBARU #TOYOTA pic.twitter.com/uVCju93UVc
— MARIN/川崎まりん🐱千歳+STELLA-RSver. (@marin_kawasaki) March 29, 2021
Certainly, Subaru has said that its entire lineup will be electrified by the mid-2030s, which would suggest that hybrid boxer engines are on their way and the brands are working together on electrification. Just how much space there will be for a battery pack in the compact sports car is a good question, but batteries are becoming more compact and Toyota is pretty good at hybrid drivetrains.
Naturally, we got in touch with Lexus expecting a non-answer, but a US spokesperson gave us an interesting response. “Unfortunately, we cannot comment or speculate on future product strategy. That said, we do have some exciting things coming up for Lexus. Please stay tuned!” the spokesperson told us.
See: Let’s Compare The New 2022 Toyota GR 86 And Subaru 86
別角度
プリ公が被ってるけど、スピンドルグリルっぽいのがはっきりわかる pic.twitter.com/pKPOU4Pq8W
— MARIN/川崎まりん🐱千歳+STELLA-RSver. (@marin_kawasaki) March 29, 2021
A sports coupe to sit under the LC 500h in the Lexus lineup would certainly be a welcome addition, as far as we’re concerned. And with a hybrid powertrain, some fancier tech, and a few considerations to class up the cabin would make this a tempting offer. Spyder7 suggests that the vehicle will be called the UC for “Urban Coupe,” which would make this a good enthusiast-focused counterpoint to the UX.
For now, it’s all pure speculation, so sit tight until someone gives us a definite answer.
