Rumor: The Next Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ Will Be More Toyota, Less Subaru

Still no word on exactly when the new models are coming

2017 Toyota 86

The new model will reportedly move to Toyota’s newest architecture.

The first generation Toyota 86/Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ resulted from a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru in 2011. After getting some confirmation from both companies that a second-generation model is in the works, some more details are floating around on what exactly is going on under the skin.

Unlike the current coupe twins, a Subaru insider told Australian website CarSales that the new models will ride atop Toyota’s New Global Architecture. That is a major switch from the current version’s modified Impreza platform. The reason for the switch is retaining the car’s rear-wheel drive layout. Subaru is using its new Global Platform as the basis for its new all-wheel drive vehicle. However, the new BRZ and Toyota 86 wouldn’t fall under that umbrella.

Subaru BRZ
The new Subaru BRZ will allegedly ride on Toyota’s New Global Architecture, rather than the current generation’s modified Impreza platform.

As a result, it stands to reason Toyota’s platform could better accommodate the coupe’s rear-wheel drive requirement. The “senior” Subaru source said, “It’s a very flexible platform, but we make all-wheel drive vehicles. That’s our forte, all-wheel drive.”

The current generation 86 and BRZ twins use a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated boxer engine. It manages 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. It’s unclear how that setup will change for the new models. Both will likely receive input from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.

If the next-generation models are more Toyota, less Subaru, that may be good news for those disappointed by the new Supra. As that model came about from a tie-up between Toyota and BMW, a new 86 on the TNGA platform may end up as more of a spiritual successor to Toyota’s past sports cars.