Rear-wheel-drive sports vehicles shared by Subaru and Toyota, the BRZ and 86, are now receiving their first redesign since their debut for the 2012 model year. Subaru has informed Car and Driver that it will not sell the BRZ for the 2021 model year, and Toyota has announced that it will stop making the 86 this fall, both of which indicate the arrival of a new generation. Here is what is currently known about the second generation of sports cars, which should be released the following year.
The BRZ and 86 will maintain the same sports-coupe-like form, as shown in spy photographs and our illustrations, but with a little more sloping hood and more accentuated hips. The grille will be slightly smaller with a black honeycomb pattern, and the headlamps will have a more streamlined appearance. The short fixed rear wing of the first-generation car will be replaced with an integrated lip spoiler, and the new taillights might either feature an LED light bar connecting the two or a decorative line.
The GR86, which would join the GR Supra and the impending GR Corolla hot hatch in Toyota’s Gazoo Racing lineup, might possibly have two additional letters added to its name.
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What takes over for the Toyota 86?
- The redesigned engine improves the driveability of the 86 by lowering the peak torque to 3700 rpm.
- The revised 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the Toyota GR 86, which replaces the outgoing 86 model, produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- One of the reasons behind the evolution of the second generation is Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.
The Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ were two early 2010 bright stars produced by the unexpected alliance between Toyota and Subaru. The new-look, rear-wheel-drive entry-level sports cars caused waves among enthusiasts and offered promise for a comeback of entry-level sports cars.
Since the first-generation Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S left the production lines, over ten years had passed. Scion mainly passed away. The Toyota 86, a direct homage to the classic AE86 chassis Toyota Corolla, took the place of the Scion FR-S. The impending switch away from internal combustion power is the other significant change. As a result, the Toyota GR 86’s introduction will take place in a very different setting than that of its predecessor.
The Toyota 86 was retired for what reason?
Toyota was busy working on the GR Supra alongside BMW at some point during the 86’s model lifespan, therefore the 86 received less attention. As a result, Toyota and Subaru decided to only offer the model a facelift rather than launching a complete model overhaul.
Additionally, it’s probable that both automakers had reservations when they originally produced the coupes about their plans to create ongoing models, but it turned out to be tremendously popular.
It should be remembered that Akio Toyoda, the current president of Toyota, fought extremely hard to put the twins into production, so even if the next generation takes a bit longer, it’s likely to happen.
Will GR86 be phased out?
The new GR86 from Toyota is ready to arrive in U.S. dealers this month and in Europe in the first half of 2022, but its lifespan on the Old Continent will only be two years, significantly less than its predecessor’s nine-year lifespan.
The reduced life cycle of the Toyota GR86 (seen above in European standard) is owing to forthcoming tighter safety rules in the region. This was confirmed by Toyota Europe, who indicated that the GR86 need major re-engineering to comply with forthcoming tighter safety rules, at the company’s annual Kenshiki European Forum.
Toyota Europe still made the decision to market the GR86 despite its brief existence in order to improve the brand’s reputation and satisfy the needs of its tiny but devoted customer base. Tom Fux, senior vice-president for Europe of Toyota, stated to Autocar:
“We believed that the car is excellent and crucial for Toyota’s reputation in Europe, and we have a small but devoted group of customers looking for cars like the GR86.
Finally, we came to the conclusion that it is crucial to continue selling this car even if it will eventually no longer be able to comply with the new standards.
However, throughout these two years, enthusiastic buyers will still have the chance to purchase the automobile.
Recall that the Toyota GR86 received a significant powertrain upgrade from its 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder boxer engine when it was first debuted in North America in April. It currently generates 231 horsepower in Europe or 228 horsepower in North America, with 184 lb-ft of torque produced in both regions. The engine is the same one that powers the Subaru BRZ and is essentially a non-turbocharged version of the ones used in the WRX and Ascent.
With these changes in mind, the Toyota GR86 is more capable than ever. This two-door, cheap sports car will undoubtedly be the last of its sort if you reside in Europe as we move toward an electrified future.
Is the GR86 an improvement over the GT86?
The car accelerates more quickly than the GT86 due to its design elements, more aerodynamic shape, Limited Slip Differentials, and higher torque. The price difference more than makes up for the difference, which is actually not all that significant, but the GR86 reduces the GT86’s 6.3-second 0-60 mph time by at least 0.4 seconds (with manual transmission).
Some claim that the handling of the GT86 is somewhat compromised when driving at lower speeds and that it can be clumsy and difficult to control when making short or abrupt stops.
Does the Subaru engine in the Toyota 86 exist?
Due to its low weight, the 86 has a fixed roof, an aluminum hood, and a trunk rather than a hatchback.
[36]
[37] The boxer engine is situated low in a front engine/rear drive layout to improve driving dynamics, resulting in a weight distribution of 53% in front and 47% in the back as well as a low center of mass height. [36]
The engine in the 86 is a naturally aspirated flat-four engine with the Toyota D-4S injection system, which employs gasoline direct injection. It goes by the Toyota designation 4U-GSE and the Subaru code FA20 (GDI). Its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive arrangement produces 200 PS (197 bhp; 147 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 151 lbft (205 Nm) of torque at 6,400 rpm. The engine uses 98 RON (premium unleaded) petrol and has a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Its bore and stroke are 86 mm (3.39 in) and 2.0 L; 121.9 cu in (1,998 cc) [38] [39]
Two 6-speed gearboxes are available for the 86, BRZ, and FR-S: an in-house designed Toyota TL70 manual gearbox (based on Aisin AI’s AZ6[40]) and an Aisin-Warner A960E automatic transmission that has been modified from the Lexus IS 250 transmission. While the latter makes use of a conventional wet torque converter design, its software has been developed to imitate the reaction of a dual-clutch transmission. Three different settings are available on the automatic transmission: Sport, Snow, and Normal. On most versions, a limited slip differential in the torsen form is standard.
Depending on the sales market, the vehicles are available with either 17″ alloy wheels shod with Michelin Primacy HP tyres in 215/45 size or 16″ steel and alloy wheels shod with Yokohama dB Decibel E70 tyres in 205/55 size. Instead, 18″ forged aluminum wheels are available on the limited-edition Toyota Racing Development (TRD) GT86 models, which, depending on the market, can be fitted with either Yokohama Advan Sport or Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires in the 225/40 size. Models and nations have different braking systems:
What issues is the Toyota 86 experiencing?
The Toyota 86 has a high pressure gasoline pump, which is defective. Many Toyota 86 owners have mentioned that their fuel pump makes a chirping sound. In some situations, the fuel pump abruptly stops working. Toyota omitted identifying the source of this problem. The quickest solution to this problem is to swap out your fuel pump.
Incorrectly programmed engine control unit (ECU): Many Toyota 86 owners have experienced unsteady engine rpm in neutral. This is a result of improper ECU programming. The ECU needs to be reprogrammed in this situation.
Which is superior, the Subaru 86 or the BRZ?
Since the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are categorized as sports vehicles, it becomes sense to believe that they move quickly and very quickly. Both vehicles have comparable engine performance ratings, but the BRZ outperforms the 86 somewhat in terms of suspension performance.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine often found in Porsches powers both vehicles. With a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, this engine can provide 200 or 205 horsepower. The stiff sports suspension provides a well-balanced direct drive to the rear wheels.
Customers have the option of choosing the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package, which improves the 86’s handling. Conversely, Subaru has superior control right out of the gate. Additionally, Brembo brakes are installed to support sudden vehicle stopping during emergencies.
Is a GT86 worth the money?
The GT86 has proven to be a fun, nimble, and useful daily driver. I wouldn’t say it’s superior to the Porsche, but it offers fantastic value and has, thus far, been very reliable.
Will there be a GR86 in 2023?
Toyota 86 Pricing in 2023 Because of this, this sporty coupe may be afforded by drivers who don’t have Porsche-sized bank accounts. The top-of-the-line Premium trim includes a small trunk-mounted spoiler, heated front seats, improved leather upholstery, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Will there be a GR86 in 2024?
Due to its two-year run and end of deliveries in Europe, the GR86 will be a highly sought-after second-hand vehicle, something that flippers have already noticed, it appears.
Will there be any GR86s produced?
- The Special Edition’s 228-hp boxer-four is the same as that of its less powerful relatives.
- Toyota plans to produce no more than 860 copies of the GR86 Special Edition.
For 2023, Toyota will add a GR86 suitable for David S. Pumpkins to its model lineup. This limited-edition GR86 vehicle, known as the Special Edition, only 860 of which are planned for production, is painted orange (or Solar Shift in Toyota lingo), accented with black trim on its C-pillars, a black lip spoiler installed on the trunk, and a pair of matte black 18-inch wheels.
The BRZ or the GR86 is faster.
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 no slouch, of course, but consistency is its forte. 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.