Scoop: Next-gen 2025 Toyota GR86 to drop Subaru boxer - gets 1.6T hybrid, 330 PS, Lexus IS platform

It took Toyota (and Subaru) nearly ten years between the launch of the first-generation 86/BRZ and its successor but according to rumours from Japanese media, the third generation could be launched much sooner.

How soon is that? Well, sources told Best Car Web that Toyota is aiming for the next-gen GR86 to be launched as early as 2025. If Toyota can achieve that goal, it would make the current GR86 have the shortest lifecycle thus far.

One of the reasons for the probable short model life might be due to tough emissions regulations. Under its current guise, the GR86/BRZ would have to be discontinued in Europe by 2025 while it would stay on a little bit longer in the USA and Japan due to the extended commitment to those countries.

Also read: Toyota quashes dreams of new Celica and MR2 - confirms no more GR model, GR86 is last

Still, there are some pretty drastic changes according to these rumours. First up is the powertrain and though the FR (front-engine, rear-wheel-drive) set-up would be maintained, what goes under the hood up front could be entirely different.

Out goes the naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre Boxer engine (235 PS/250 Nm), to be replaced by a hybrid version of the turbocharged 1.6-litre 3-cylinder unit that is seen in the GR Yaris.

Also read: Are boxer engines overrated? – Pros and cons of boxer engines

Though having that smaller engine might not be so surprising since it is capable to produce 272 PS/370 Nm, it’s the “hybrid” part that might fluff some feathers. Best Car Web reports that the hybrid system could be taken from the one used on the Toyota Crown.

Also read: Turbocharged Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ being tested, but not for what you think

Having a hybrid could skirt emissions regulations, especially in Europe and besides, the addition of an electric motor could increase the combined system output of the engine to between 320 and 330 PS.

Nevertheless, the next-gen GR86 will very likely continue to offer a manual transmission but due to the expected high power output, it could be either developed by Toyota or outsourced to another supplier. The transmissions used in the current generation are developed and sourced by Aisin.

Also read: Here's why the manual transmission still matters

Aside from the engine, it is speculated that the next-gen GR86/BRZ could have a Toyota platform instead of the current Subaru-designed chassis. While the TNGA-L platform is designed for FR vehicles, it would be too long for a sports car like the GR86.

Therefore, there is a possibility that it would be heavily modified from the current Lexus IS which is itself largely carried over from the previous generation. We have seen this kind of platform modification before, most notably on the current Nissan Z.

Also read: The Nissan 400Z might be a 370Z underneath, but that isn’t a bad thing

So where does Subaru fit in all of these? While the first two generations of the 86/BRZ had some input from the Star of Pleiades, it seems that the next generation could be mainly developed by Toyota.

Subaru appears to be focusing more on models based on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) like the latest XV which are more profitable to the company than an enthusiast’s sports car. That doesn’t mean the BRZ is at its end though as it could be likely that it will continue despite Subaru offering little input.

What do you guys think of this scoop? Do you think that the current-gen GR86/BRZ is likely to be replaced so soon and with more Toyota engineering input than Subaru?