Subaru’s Gunma assembly factory is where the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, two 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Subaru and Toyota, are built. [1]
The 2+2 fastbackcoup is distinguished by its naturally aspirated boxer engine, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, 53/47 front/rear weight balance, and low center of gravity. It is also noted for taking design cues from Toyota’s earlier AE86, a small, light, front-engine/rear-drive Corolla variant that was well-liked for Showroom Stock, Group A, Group N, Rally, Club, and drift racing.
Toyota marketed the sports car as the 86 for the first-generation model in Asia, Australia, North America (as of August 2016), South Africa, and South America;[2] as the Toyota GT86 in Europe; as the 86 and GT86 in New Zealand; as the Toyota FT86 in Brunei, Nicaragua, and Jamaica; and as the Scion FR-S (20122016) in the United States and Canada.
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The GR86 moniker is used by Toyota to refer to its Gazoo Racing division while marketing the second-generation vehicle.
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In This Article...
Are Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 equivalent?
We can (and will, don’t worry) compare all of our test results to see which one is superior based on many measurable criteria, but the suspension settings are by far the most important factors in this situation. What better starting point could we ask for than for both of our test cars to be within 5 pounds of one another and to be equipped with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires that are readily available (reserved for the Limited model of the BRZ and the Premium trim of the GR86), leveling the playing field where the rubber literally meets the road?
The Toyota GR86 just beat out the BRZ at the test track, showing greater grip on the skidpad (0.98 g vs. 0.93) and reaching 60 mph 0.1 second quicker, in 5.8 seconds, despite each vehicle having the same amount of power, weight, and tire options. The GR86 completed our figure-eight course in under a second faster. The Subaru stopped from 60 mph in a solid 107 feet, 1 foot shorter than the Toyota, giving an indication of its firmer front end. This was the Subaru’s lone objective dynamic victory over the GR86, however both cars experienced brake fade during our track session. If you intend to take part in a track day, consider upgrading the brake fluid, brake pads, or both. You may also consider finding a means to improve the cooling of the current brakes.
The BRZ is certainly not a pushover, but it excels at consistency. The Subaru is without a doubt the more dependable lap-time companion of the two thanks to its more planted rear end. Although it will outperform the BRZ if you’re prepared to put a little more effort into your driving, you’ll be having too much fun in the Toyota to care much about lap times. This is because even beginners may readily approach and cross over the grip threshold at sub-felony speeds because the GR86’s butt slides about a lot more, but its movement is telegraphed to the driver’s southern cheeks. With other words, if you overcook something in the Toyota, it’s simple to rein it back in.
Recovery in the Subaru requires a little more concentration; even if its tail clings on for a longer period of time, it releases less gently. Consider it like this: The ultimate rear-end grip of the BRZ is similar to that of the GR86, but there is a smaller window between possessing that grip and losing it. The BRZ can drift, but getting there and maintaining that edge requires more accurate steering and throttle inputs from more seasoned drivers. By the way, the center console of both automobiles has a setting for stability control that alternates between on and off.
Does the BRZ’s engine come from Toyota?
The Toyota GT86 made its UK debut a few months ago. Wait a little longer if you want the new GR86 with its more potent and torquey 2.4-litre boxer engine, and when the time comes to pay, don’t expect much variation from 30,000.
Since its predecessor has been around long enough for depreciation to set in, there are a good number available for less than the magical 10,000 mark. The only downside is that mechanical problems increase with age.
These vehicles, along with the (very) related Subaru BRZ, are relatively well made, but there are a few issues you should be aware of. To find out all you need to know about purchasing, operating, and customizing one, we spoke with Andy Weightman of Toyota tuning specialists Fensport.
Finding a BRZ is much harder
Despite being marketed as a “joint venture,” the GT86 is far more Subaru than Toyota. Its components are all branded with Subaru emblems, it has a Subaru boxer engine, and Subaru built both the BRZ and the GT86 at its facility in Gunma Prefecture.
So, with a Subaru emblem on the bonnet, this automobile actually makes more sense. However, as BRZs are much more uncommon in the UK than GT86s, we advise against focusing primarily on them. On popular classifieds websites, there are typically ten times as many GT86s available for purchase.
Although the standard suspension configurations are supposed to feel slightly different when driven back-to-back, mechanically speaking, the cars are essentially similar. Before and after the 2016 facelift, the front bumpers of the BRZ and GT86 were also different.
What category does a Subaru BRZ fall under?
The Subaru BRZ is a very recent addition to the sports-car market. It originally appeared in the market in 2013 as a radically unique Subaru model. The only rear-wheel drive and only coupe vehicles Subaru created were and are the BRZ. At the time, it was one of the most reasonably priced coupes on the market, and the Subaru BRZ pricing is now among the most reasonable of any compact sports cars. Discover the history of the Subaru BRZ by reading on.
Is Toyota the owner of Subaru?
Toyota controls 20% of the corporation and is the largest single shareholder. As part of this agreement, Subaru has access to steel and other raw materials produced by the Toyota supplier network.
Subaru produces fewer vehicles than other of the major players because it only has two manufacturing facilities, compared to Toyota’s several facilities around the globe. Both the original plant and the second plant are in Lafayette, Indiana. The first facility is in Gunma, Japan.
In 2017, Subaru underwent a $400 million expansion of the factory after announcing plans to do so. When the Indiana factory manufactured its four millionth vehicle in 2019, it marked a significant accomplishment.
The headquarters of Subaru North American production is Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), a division of Subaru Corporation. In addition to the $400 million expansion indicated above, SIA invested $140.2 million in new machinery and equipment and made upgrades to boost its production capacity by roughly 100,000 units yearly to meet the rising demand for Subaru automobiles in North America.
Is the engine in the Toyota 86 and BRZ the same?
Power The engine in both autos generates 147kw of power. However, the 2.0 DOHC 4 cylinder in the 1986 model makes 5 more horsepower than the 2.0 DOHC 4 cylinder in the BRZ (205 vs 200) Near-Twins Near-twins, the Toyota 86 and BRZ were created by Subaru and Toyota working together.
BRZ or WRX, which is quicker?
In comparison to the BRZ, the 2018 WRX is more potent and offers a more enjoyable driving experience. When it comes to: Horsepower, the WRX triumphs over the BRZ.
A Toyota 86 is it a Supra?
However, the Toyota 86 sports car was introduced in its place when the Supra model was unavailable. The Toyota 86 is a fastback coupe with less power but is much more affordable than the Supra because to its lighter and slimmer construction.
So when both of these models are released for the 2020 model year later this year, Toyota will have two sports cars on the market for customers to buy. What distinguishes these Toyota sports vehicles from one another? How do the two models compare? The 2020 Toyota 86 and 2020 Toyota GR Supra are in a race!
Toyota 86 Engine Specs
This generates 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque with a typical manual transmission.
This generates 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque with an optional automatic transmission.
Toyota GR Supra Engine Specs
An inline 6-cylinder engine with a 3L twin-scroll turbo is included in the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. Inside the new Supra model, this generates 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque.
The weight distribution of 50:50 and this engine enable the 2020 Toyota GR Supra to reach 60 mph in under 4.1 seconds.
Who produces BRZ?
Subaru offers the BRZ in Premium and Limited trim levels for 2023. The Limited adds desirable extras like 18-inch aluminum wheels, summer tires, and blind-spot monitoring, so we’d choose for that model instead. The transmission that works best for Subaru’s sports vehicle is a six-speed manual; however, individuals who want an automatic can get one for $1500.
What makes it a Toyota 86?
The Toyota 86 was named after a previous generation of the Toyota Corolla, a car from the same manufacturer that is somewhat underestimated when compared to more recent models. Even though it doesn’t sound like an exciting car now, the Toyota Corolla GT-S from the 1980s was surprisingly agile in its day. The Toyota 86 was first influenced by the AE86, a model of the Corolla that was known as the Corolla GT-S. The 86 model name so has part of the brand’s history behind it, despite the fact that the numbers may appear to be fairly arbitrary.
Why are BRZs so well-liked?
Due to new features and an improved powertrain, the 2022 Subaru BRZ is a high-performance sports car that is more appealing than ever.
When the Subaru BRZ made its debut in 2012, it came as a surprise because the company was known for making only tough, long-lasting all-wheel-drive vehicles. The car quickly became well-liked due to its distinctive boxer engine and low price. The company’s foray into the realm of sports vehicles was symbolized by the recently released BRZ, a 2-door vehicle with a striking silhouette. It shares the majority of its structural components with its other Japanese manufacturer and is mainly based on the Toyota 86. It is the only rear-wheel-drive vehicle in its class, and it is also inexpensive, lightweight, and engaging.
The Subaru BRZ in 2022 has a new, larger engine with increased power. The vehicle still has a manual transmission and a rear-wheel-drive layout, which is a treat for fans.
The Subaru BRZ is quick.
The new 2.4-liter engine in the BRZ isn’t a powerhouse, but it revs joyfully and smoothly and accelerates the coupe quickly. Six seconds are needed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
Subaru do you utilize Toyota parts?
Subaru is having a wonderful decade so far; its sales in the United States have doubled, and they are having difficulties meeting demand. While that’s fantastic news for Subaru, a thorough investigation by Reuters reveals that in order to keep the Foresters coming off the assembly line, Subaru and its suppliers have used some dubious but legal labor methods.
You should read the complete report from Reuters, which includes video interviews with employees and a graphic showing which companies supply certain pieces of a Forester.
- Since 2011, Subaru’s sales in the US have doubled; the Forester SUV crossover is particularly well-liked here. Its advertising showcases adoring families, adorable dogs, and incredibly durable cars, all with the slightly perplexing phrase, “Love. It distinguishes a Subaru as a Subaru.
- North of Tokyo in the Japanese city of Ota, there is a Subaru production facility. While some automobiles marketed in the United States are put together in an Indiana factory, Ota, Japan, is where Subaru and its suppliers source their parts.
- Workers from the developing world, some of whom are in Japan seeking asylum, are employed by Subaru and its suppliers. Reuters spoke with employees who were from 22 different Asian and African nations.
- A third or more of their wages may be paid to labor brokers, who are also utilized by Subaru’s suppliers in the garment and textile industries.
- Some employees join Subaru through traineeship programs, which ostensibly aim to teach trainees skills they can use when they return to their native nation. Once in Japan, trainees are unable to change employers, and according to the United Nations and the U.S. State Department, trainee conditions might resemble forced labor.
- According to the pay stubs that Reuters examined, Chinese trainees made around half as much money as a Japanese temporary worker would have for the same position.
- Because Japan is unique in that it needs workers but also has immigration restrictions, Subaru reportedly extensively relies on temporary employees and trainees. According to Reuters, 30% of the workers in the Ota factories are foreigners.
- The same factories that produce parts for Subaru also produce parts for Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, three other Japanese manufacturers.
- A reform in the law that allows foreigners seeking asylum to work on renewable six-month permits coincided with Subaru’s growth in sales. Subaru manufactures around 80% of its automobiles in Japan.
- Subaru claims that its suppliers must follow the law when it comes to the employment and treatment of their employees and that the business is ill-equipped to monitor all of its suppliers’ labor policies.