Can we all heave a collective sigh of relief?
Yesterday, we ran an article citing a Japanese publication that reported the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, both very warmly-received and critically-acclaimed sports cars, are not long for this world. Japanese Nostalgic Car cited the offering of entry-level, 4-cylinder versions of the Toyota Supra (which are turbocharged, by the way) made the decision that little bit easier, as well as (alleged) differences of opinion between Toyota & Subaru on where the small sports car will go in the future.
Of course we were saddened to hear this, because both the 86 and BRZ are sensational cars to drive. Sure the interior plastics could be better, and the rear seats are damned-near useless. But as an instrument to bring joy to drivers without costing an arm and a leg to buy or keep, the 86 and BRZ are hard to beat. Further, Toyota boss Akio Toyoda has reiterated his (and Toyota’s) commitment to building more engaging & exciting cars in the future. So what gives?
Well, it seems that US rag Carscoops couldn’t quite sit on the story as it was, so they called Toyota and got a comment from their spokesperson which reads:
“As Akio Toyoda said at the reveal of the 2020 GR Supra, Toyota is committed to building exciting vehicles, including sports cars. The 86 has been in the Toyota family since 2013 and the plan is that it will continue to be a part of the Toyota sports car line-up.” – Nancy Hubbell, Senior Manager (Product Communications), Toyota North America
It’s worth noting that the word “continue” was used there, which doesn’t shed much light on whether a second-generation 86 can be expected. Additionally, Hubbell’s response doesn’t do much to clarify the position of Subaru on the matter either, or whether the two firms will be working together on a second-generation set of ‘Toybaru twins.’
There could be reason to believe there’s a rift though: Toyota has been unable to accommodate customer requests for more power in the 86, largely due to the engineering limitations that exist on account of Subaru’s flat-four. But with longitudinally-mounted turbo-4 engines available (as per the entry-level Supras with as much as 189kW on tap), perhaps Toyota will go it alone with the next 86 and stick a turbocharger in there.
We can hope, right?
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