Despite building a great affordable sports car between them, rumors were rife that the Subaru BRZ and its Toyota twin, the 86, wouldn't make it into a second generation. Thankfully, Subaru and Toyota have confirmed that a new generation is coming, although they remain tight-lipped on exactly when that might be. We suspect it will be a while yet, but our spy photographers out in the field have spotted what appears to be a prototype for an updated BRZ testing at the Nurburgring.

The front fascia appears to be new on the model throwing down laps at the Ring, and the camouflage is hiding a new design for the front bumper as well as for the air outlets behind the front wheels in the fenders. Suggesting this is a facelift model or even a special edition to tide us over until a new generation arrives, are a new rear light design and trunk lid style. The big question we simply don't have hard answers to is regarding the possibility of mechanical updates to the chassis or an increase in power.

According to previous reports, the next generation BRZ and 86 will ride on Toyota's recently developed GA-B platform. The platform is designed to be more rigid and gives the option of front MacPherson-strut suspension and either multi-link rear suspension or a rear torsion beam system. It looks like the prime choice as the design also puts the driver's seat low and closer toward the center of the car to give better balance and lower the center of gravity.

As far back as early 2018, there were rumors of a co-developed 2.4-liter engine for a new generation as well, which we know for a fact would be a welcome addition to a car that begs for a little more power.