Official: Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ lives on for another generation

Toyota has finally confirmed the Toyota 86 will live on to a second generation, putting months of speculations to rest.

The announcement comes after a major tie-up between Toyota and Subaru recently that includes “joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ.”

Besides collaborating on the sports car, both companies will also share their respective areas of expertise more widely, which could see Toyota’s hybrid technology in future Subarus. In return, Toyota will have access to Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive expertise.

While the current 86/BRZ are based heavily on Subaru’s underpinnings, including its 2.0-litre boxer engine, the next-generation models will likely switch to a rear-wheel drive version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, which is also set to under form the basis of next-generation Lexus vehicles.

They will continue to be served by Subaru’s boxer engine although with a larger capacity. There are speculations the 2.4-litre flat-four currently found under the US market Ascent large SUV is a prime candidate. It makes up to 197kW in stock form.

The tie-up sees Toyota increasing its stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, which owns Subaru, to 20 per cent. Subaru has also spent $1 billion on Toyota shares.

Note: Toyota FT-86 concept shown

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