Rear-Drive Future: The Second Generation Toyota 86 & Subaru BRZ are Confirmed
With the current Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ getting quite old, there's been a lot of discussion about whether Toyota and Subaru would follow up the first generation car with a new second gen model, and what that car might look like. We know now that there will indeed be a second generation version of the rear-drive sports car as both companies recently confirmed.
The news came as part of an official announcement that Toyota is upping its existing stake in Subaru to 20% and with that increase will naturally come increased collaboration between the two Japanese automakers.
Not surprisingly the agreement will see Toyota using Subaru's AWD know-how and Subaru implementing more of Toyota's battery electric technology, but for enthusiasts the best news that the announcement also confirmed "Joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ" as part of the two companies' business plans.
Even before this news was confirmed, rumors about the next gen 86 and BRZ have been coming in faster—including the possibility that the new cars may get a displacement bump to 2.4 liters while staying naturally aspirated.
At this point though, nothing has been confirmed but there's even a chance that we may see a concept or prototype of the new cars during next month's Tokyo Motor Show. It's been hinted that development is already well under way, so hopefully production won't be too far off from there.
Whenever we end up catching a glimpse of the new car(s), it's great to know that even in age of SUV dominance and electrification that Toyota and Subaru are committed to keeping niche market enthusiast vehicles like the 86 and BRZ alive. Here's hoping we find out more soon.
Speaking of other companies Toyota has partnered with recently, you can check out Mazda's announcement of a new rotary engine.
