GR86

Make
Toyota
Segment
Coupe

Last September, it was confirmed that successors for both the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports coupes are in the works. The Japanese automakers are, once again, teaming up to make this happen. Details regarding the next-generation models were limited at the time, but today more information has come to light thanks to Japan's Best Car.

First off, the official debut is now expected to happen in March 2021 instead of this fall. Chances are the coronavirus pandemic is the reason for the delay. Design-wise, inside sources calim it'll be very much an evolutionary look. These new renderings were created based on that inside knowledge. Compared to the current cars, the wheelbase is expected to remain unchanged, measuring at 2,750 mm.

Even overall body length won't differ much, coming to a total of 4,250 mm. Width is said to be 1,780 mm and height at 1,315 mm. To compare, today's cars measure at 4,240 mm in length, 1,755 mm width, and up to 1,320 mm in height. The report further claims the basic platform of the current generation will be carried over, although with many revisions and upgrades. The ultimate goal is to retain a low center of gravity, high rigidity, and keep weight in check.

A horizontally opposed flat-four will also return, only it'll increase in size from a 2.0-liter to a 2.4-liter unit. Codenamed FA24, this is actually the same engine powering the Subaru Ascent and Legacy and it'll remain naturally aspirated. Total output will likely reach about 220 horsepower.

Yes, it's capable of producing upwards of 260 hp in the Ascent crossover, but engineers prefer to detune it for their own reasons. Torque will also increase to about 156 lb-ft. A six-speed manual will also return, as will an automatic option.

The interior, as the image shows above, should also stick with a basic layout, though it's set to receive more premium touches and higher quality build materials.

We're hoping to see test mules up and running in the very near future, most likely at the Nurburgring. Assuming Toyota and Subaru stick with the new launch date, the next-gen 86 and BRZ's designs are locked in and all that's left to do is some engineering fine-tuning.