BRZ

Make
Subaru
Segment
Coupe

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 were launched for the 2012 model year with only minor changes made since. The future of the sports coupe duo is looking good because a complete redesign is planned. If all goes as scheduled, the second-generation models will be unveiled early next spring, possibly as early 2022 models. But will there be a 2021 BRZ and 86? Perhaps not. Subaru's Japanese domestic market website has recently been updated and the BRZ landing page states the following, via Google Translate:

"We have finished accepting orders for build-to-order manufacturing of the models listed. Orders can only be accepted from stock at dealers."

Both vehicles are built alongside each other at Subaru's Gunma plant in Japan, which will soon be retooled in preparation for the next-generation models.

It's fair to assume that North American BRZ and/or 86 customers can also no longer place orders. They'll just have to make do with inventory already available on dealership lots. The rumored original plan for the second-gen models was a reveal at the 2021 Geneva Motor Show, but since that event has been canceled (at least for now), an online reveal is looking more likely.

The models are expected to retain similar exterior proportions as the basic platform of the current generation will be largely carried over, though it will receive numerous upgrades. Sources claim the main goals are to keep a low center of gravity, high rigidity, and low weight.

Under the hood, the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed flat-four from the Subaru Ascent and Legacy will be used.

Total output should be around 220 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will continue to be available. To compare, the 2020 BRZ and 86 are powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four with 205 hp and 156 lb-ft. With that all in mind, it's probably worthwhile to wait for the redesigned coupes. But if you're intent on getting one of the current models, then you should probably act fast.

Through the end of this month, Subaru is offering 0.9 percent APR financing on all new BRZs. Toyota's current offer is less generous with 2.9 percent APR, but there is a $1,000 cash back offer on all new cars.