Toyota is reportedly planning a major update for its GR86 sports car, which could include a hybrid powertrain and a new platform. The next-generation model is expected to debut in 2025 and offer more power and efficiency than the current model.
The GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive coupe that shares its
platform and engine with the Subaru BRZ. The current model was introduced in
2022 and features a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and
184 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a
six-speed automatic transmission.
However, according to a report from Bestcarweb (via Top
Speed), Toyota is considering a radical change for the GR86 in 2025. The report
claims that Toyota will switch to its own platform and use a hybrid powertrain
based on the one found in the upcoming GR Corolla. The hybrid system would
consist of a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric
motor, delivering more than 300 horsepower.
The report also suggests that Toyota will reduce its
collaboration with Subaru for the next-generation GR86, as the two companies
have different visions for their sports cars. Subaru is said to prefer a pure
gasoline engine, while Toyota is leaning towards electrification.
A Toyota spokesperson declined to comment on the report,
saying that the company does not discuss future product plans. However, they
did confirm that Toyota is committed to developing fun-to-drive sports cars
under the Gazoo Racing brand.
“We are always exploring new ways to enhance our sports car
lineup and offer our customers more choices and excitement,” the spokesperson
said. “We will continue to work with Subaru to deliver great products like the
GR86 and the BRZ.”
The GR86 is one of the few affordable rear-wheel-drive coupes
on the market, along with its twin, the BRZ. It competes with other sports cars
such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Nissan 370Z, and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
The current model starts at $30,000 est., while a special Trueno Edition that
pays homage to the iconic AE86 Corolla from the 1980s will be available in
2024.
The meaning behind the number “86” in the Toyota GR86 has
its roots in the iconic Toyota Corolla GT coupe of the mid-1980s. The number
“86” was part of the car’s chassis code, stamped onto the vehicle
identification number plate. The chassis code of the Toyota Corolla GT coupe
comprised four characters: A, E, 8, and 6.
The first letter (A) identified the engine family (A
series), while the second letter (E) identified the model family (Corolla). The
third and fourth characters were single digit numbers (8 and 6) and represented
the specific generation (fifth) and model derivation (high-performance
rear-wheel drive coupe) respectively.
As a result of this coding, Toyota enthusiasts have usually
referred to this particular vehicle as the AE86, although Japanese fans went a
little further by simply calling it the Hachi-Roku, or Eight-Six. As the
reputation of this model grew, so did awareness of its internal coding; to such
an extent that the car became better known for its chassis code than the name
on its boot lid.
The AE86 was something of an anomaly within the
fifth-generation Corolla line-up. While the rest of its siblings forged ahead
with a modern and all-new front-wheel drive platform, the AE86 was founded on a
reworking of its predecessor’s rear-wheel drive chassis. Yet it was still
pitched as the top-of-the-range performance model.
The AE86 was powered by a rally-proven and fuel injected
1.6-liter twin cam 16-valve engine, better known as the 4A-GE. It generated 124
horsepower and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. The car also
had sleek aerodynamics, sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an
optional limited-slip differential.
The AE86 became a legend in the motorsport world, especially
in rallying and drifting. It was driven by famous drivers such as Juha
Kankkunen, Carlos Sainz, Keiichi Tsuchiya, and Takumi Fujiwara (the fictional
protagonist of the Initial D anime series). The car also inspired many
aftermarket tuners and enthusiasts to modify and customize it to their liking.
The GR86 is the spiritual successor of the AE86, inheriting
its essential fun-to-drive characteristics and rear-wheel drive layout. The
GR86 also pays tribute to the AE86 with its name, design cues, and special
editions. For example, the Trueno Edition features a two-tone color scheme, a
black hood, a duckbill spoiler, and Trueno badges.
The GR86 is also part of Toyota’s global GR portfolio,
joining the widely acclaimed GR Supra and GR Yaris. The GR stands for Gazoo
Racing, Toyota’s motorsport division that is responsible for developing and
testing its sports cars. The GR86 benefits from the expertise and experience of
Gazoo Racing, which aims to create cars that are fun to drive for everyone.
Toyota is one of the world’s leading automakers, offering a wide range of vehicles from sedans and SUVs to trucks and hybrids. Toyota is also known for its innovation and quality, as well as its involvement in motorsports and social responsibility. For more information about Toyota and its products, visit www.toyota.com.
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