Toyota hasn’t revealed its GR86 twin to the Subaru BRZ, but it’s getting ready to welcome it to the family in Australia.
Dealer documents shared with CarExpert reveal production for the current Toyota 86 will end in February 2021, ahead of an “extended production black out” as the brand prepares for the second-generation model.
Toyota head office has told dealers to get their orders in for the current car before the end of today, November 25, if they want guaranteed stock.
“We have no announcements to make today on the 86, except to say that there is a new model under development,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson told CarExpert.
When it launches, the second-generation Toyota 86 will complete the Gazoo Racing family. It’ll sell alongside the GR Yaris and GR Supra, and will sit above a range of GR Sport-badged versions of more mundane Toyota models led by the C-HR SUV.
A proper GR Corolla hot hatch is also expected, along with a tougher GR HiLux ute.
How Toyota’s take on the next-generation BRZ will look hasn’t been revealed, but it’s unlikely to deviate too far from its Subaru twin.
Power in the 2022 Subaru BRZ comes from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine with 170kW and 249Nm, sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
It appears the platform beneath the body is a revision of what underpins the current BRZ and Toyota 86 rather than a wholesale replacement.
Previous rumours had suggested the cars would be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture.
At 4265mm long, 1775mm wide and 1310mm tall on a 2575mm wheelbase, the new BRZ is 25mm longer and 15mm lower than the outgoing car, and rides on a 5mm longer wheelbase.
The suspension layout comprises MacPherson struts with lower L-arms and coils, and double-wishbones with a stabiliser bar. Models equipped with 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels feature Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
