The first Toyobaru twin, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are probably the best sports cars for beginners. While it has only been 2 years since the second generation was introduced, Toyota is rumoured to have already started development of the next generation but without the help of Subaru.
GR Corolla unit shown
Japanese automotive publication, Best Car Web reported that the next generation of the GR86 could be utilising the turbocharged 1.6-litre 3-cylinder engine as seen in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris. While the two hot hatches are four-wheel drive (4WD), the Japanese publication mentioned that the next-gen GR86 would retain the rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout.
2.4-litre Boxer unit shown
What’s especially interesting about this latest rumour is not just the removal of the flat four boxer engine but that the next GR86 could be a hybrid powertrain. The addition of an electric motor could see the power boosted from 304 PS on the GR Corolla to between 320-330 PS. That's a significant boost from the existing GR86's 237 PS from the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre FA24 unit.
Best Car Web also reported that the next-gen GR86 could be developed by Toyota independently with the platform being adopted from the Lexus IS albeit in a shorter wheelbase.
Could this mean that the current BRZ might be the last generation? Well, it’s still very early to say at the moment but the GR86/BRZ is essentially a Subaru product rather than a Toyota for two generations. Toyota being in charge of development does not necessarily mean it’s the end for the Subaru BRZ and it is still too early to speculate based on these rumours.
For now, the existing GR86 and BRZ are some of the best driver-oriented cars in the market. Both Toyobaru sports car twins are available officially in Malaysia with prices as follows:
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
