The current-generation Toyota GR86 isn’t exactly an aged product, but there are already reports of a next-generation model coming soon. Launched in 2021, the car has enjoyed a fair bit of success, but it seems this model won’t have the same nine-year run as its predecessor.
For the last two models, Toyota has partnered with Subaru for its sports coupe, the latter having its own version dubbed the BRZ. But for the next generation, Toyota might be turning to Mazda to build it.
That’s according to Japanese publication, Best Car. The publication claims that Toyota is now in talks with Mazda to move things forward. While it all seems random, do note that Toyota, Mazda, and Toyota have a partnership in vehicle development.
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On top of that, it’s said that the third-generation Toyota GR86 will utilize the MX-5 platform. Best Car says it will use the current platform, although it might also share some bones with the next-generation MX-5 to keep development costs down. We’ll have more info once details start tricking down.
If true, it will be interesting how these companies will build these sporty models. It’s safe to say that Mazda will stick to the roadster body style, and we reckon Toyota might stretch out the MX-5’s chassis as the GR86 is a bigger vehicle than the MX-5. We can’t imagine it being a convertible, either, and it’s a good bet that the future GR86 will still have a fixed roof.
For engines, there’s a chance that Mazda and Toyota won’t use each other’s engines. It was previously mentioned that the MX-5 might use a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter engine, both of which are naturally aspirated. As for the Toyota, we might see the new turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter under the hood of the future GR86.
That said, this is all still pretty far out in the future. Still, that fact that there are reports like these suggests that an all-new model might be underway already, even if the current generation is just four years old.
