Toyota GR86: Next Generation Could See Mazda Collaboration, Turbo Power
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Toyota Gazoo Racing is reportedly expanding its sports car lineup, with the third-generation GR86 potentially joining the upcoming Celica, MR2, and GR Supra. The original Toyota 86 debuted in late 2011, followed by the GR86 in 2020. Sources suggest the next iteration might arrive around 2027, marking a new chapter for the affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. This potential collaboration with Mazda and the introduction of a turbo engine mark a significant shift for the GR86.
A Shift in Growth: Bye-Bye Subaru, Hello Mazda?
In a departure from previous models co-developed with Subaru (and its BRZ counterpart), the next GR86 is expected to be developed in-house by Toyota. This strategic shift comes as Toyota expands its Gazoo Racing lineup. However, Toyota might be collaborating with Mazda, potentially bringing in a Mazda engineer to lead the project. This marks a significant change in the development strategy for the GR86,potentially influencing its design and performance characteristics.
The potential collaboration with Mazda marks an vital turn. According to reporting, the next-generation GR86 will be built on a new, lightweight platform, maintaining the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that has defined the 86 family. This commitment to the classic sports car formula, combined with potential Mazda engineering, could result in a compelling driving experience.
The next-gen GR86 will be built on a new, lightweight platform, keeping the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that’s made the 86 family a favorite.
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While toyota briefly considered a mid-engine setup, those plans were ultimately scrapped in favor of sticking with a more customary approach. Earlier reports suggested the new GR86 might be based on a modified version of the Lexus IS platform, aligning with the rear-drive configuration. This decision underscores Toyota’s commitment to the GR86’s heritage while exploring new avenues for performance enhancement.
powering the Future: A New GR Turbo Powertrain
The next GR86 could see a departure from Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine. Sources suggest the next GR86 will use a powertrain developed by Toyota, potentially leveraging the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. this engine, showcased in the GR86 Rally Legacy concept at SEMA, produces 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS). The move to a turbocharged engine could considerably boost the GR86’s performance and appeal.
While all-wheel drive is unlikely, Toyota may incorporate hybrid technology, potentially boosting both power and efficiency. Another option under consideration is Toyota’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine,which debuted in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. This engine is expected to power the successors of the Celica and MR2, producing 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) in its standard form. The potential for hybrid technology and multiple engine options highlights Toyota’s commitment to innovation and performance.
Design Speculations: What Will It Look Like?
Toyota has remained tight-lipped about the design of the next-generation GR86. However, speculative renderings offer a glimpse into what the future model might look like.These illustrations combine familiar proportions with aggressive GR Parts aero components and styling cues borrowed from the Toyota Crown Sport.The design will likely balance the GR86’s heritage with modern styling elements.
The GR86 is expected to maintain its 2+2 seating layout, with a practical rear hatch and an updated dashboard design. the challenge for Toyota’s designers will be differentiating the GR86 from its Gazoo Racing siblings, such as the Celica, MR2, and Supra. The GR86 will likely be positioned as the most affordable of the bunch,competing with the Mazda MX-5. This positioning will be crucial in attracting a broad range of sports car enthusiasts.
The next-generation Toyota GR86 promises to be an exciting addition to Toyota’s sports car lineup, potentially blending Mazda’s engineering expertise with Toyota’s commitment to performance and affordability.As the anticipated 2027 launch year approaches, enthusiasts eagerly await further details on this highly anticipated sports coupe.
Toyota GR86’s Electrifying Future: A Mazda-Toyota Collaboration?
To gain further insight into the potential future of the Toyota GR86, we spoke with Dr. Ito, an automotive engineering expert, about the rumored changes and collaborations.
Interviewer: Dr. Ito, welcome. Your expertise in automotive engineering and the Japanese automotive industry is unparalleled. The recent news regarding the potential collaboration between Toyota and Mazda on the next-generation GR86 and the possibility of a turbocharged engine has ignited significant interest. Let’s delve into the specifics. What are your initial thoughts on this reported shift from Subaru?
Dr. Ito: The move away from the Subaru partnership represents a bold strategic decision by toyota. for years,the collaboration yielded excellent results,producing a highly successful and well-regarded sports coupe. Though, the landscape of the automotive industry has changed dramatically. Toyota’s decision to go it alone, perhaps incorporating Mazda’s expertise, suggests a desire for more control over the vehicle’s development and ultimately, the brand’s identity. This allows for a clearer differentiation in terms of design language and performance characteristics compared to the Subaru BRZ. This shift is also a testament to Toyota’s commitment to its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance brand and its aspiring plans to expand its sports car lineup. The rumoured collaboration with Mazda underscores a strategic re-alignment within the Japanese high-performance market.
Interviewer: The rumors suggest a move towards a turbocharged engine for the next GR86. How significant a change would this be, and what are the potential performance implications?
Dr. Ito: The switch to a turbocharged engine is likely to be a game-changer. The current naturally aspirated engine, while enjoyable, has limitations in terms of power output. Introducing a turbocharged powertrain, whether it’s the 1.6-liter three-cylinder from the GR Yaris/GR Corolla or a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder, will substantially boost horsepower and torque, enhancing the overall driving experience – particularly in the mid-range. We’re likely talking about a considerable increase in power, potentially exceeding 300 horsepower.This will enhance acceleration and responsiveness, making the GR86 more competitive in its class while retaining that quintessential rear-wheel-drive thrill of the 86 family. These engine options also offer opportunities for efficiency improvements, especially with potential future hybridization.
Interviewer: Reports point to a new, lightweight platform for the next GR86.How crucial is weight reduction in the development of a sports car, and what are the benefits?
Dr. Ito: Weight reduction in a sports car is paramount. Every kilogram saved translates to enhanced handling,acceleration,and fuel efficiency. The use of lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and optimized chassis design will all contribute to a more agile and responsive vehicle. This is integral to the overall handling characteristics of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car – a core tenant of the 86’s winning formula. A new, purpose-built platform is pivotal to achieving these goals. This also allows Toyota to tailor the platform for other future GR vehicles such as the rumored Celica and MR2 revivals.
Interviewer: Mazda’s potential involvement is a captivating aspect. What specific engineering expertise could Mazda bring to this project?
Dr. Ito: Mazda is renowned for its focus on driving dynamics and its expertise in chassis engineering. Their “Jinba Ittai” ideology emphasizes the connection between car and driver. mazda’s input could greatly enhance the handling and overall driving experience of the GR86. They could contribute to aspects like suspension tuning, steering response, and overall vehicle balance. In short, this collaboration could lead to a higher level of refinement, precision, and responsiveness, elevating the GR86 to a whole new level of driving satisfaction. This aligns perfectly with current trends in the sports-car market,where superior driving dynamics are prioritized above mere raw power.
Interviewer: What are your predictions for the design of the next-generation GR86?
Dr. Ito: While specifics remain elusive, we can expect a design that builds upon the legacy of the 86 while incorporating modern styling cues. The next GR86 will likely retain its familiar proportions, but with more aggressive styling and aerodynamics, drawing inspiration from other GR models. The key is for this next iteration to have a distinct personality that differentiates it from the other GR vehicles, such as the GR Supra and the potential returns of the Celica and MR2, and yet stay true to the DNA of the beloved 86 family. The use of lightweight materials should also result in a more visually refined body style.
Interviewer: In closing, Dr. Ito, what is your overall assessment of the potential of the next-generation Toyota GR86?
Dr. Ito: The next GR86 has the potential to be a truly exceptional sports car. The shift away from Subaru, the potential collaboration with Mazda, the introduction of a turbocharged powertrain, and the adoption of a new lightweight platform could all contribute to a vehicle which surpasses predecessors in performance, handling, and overall driver engagement. I expect a car with considerably increased power, torque, and efficiency without sacrificing the unique driving characteristics that have made the 86 family so popular. this could solidify Toyota’s position as a leader in the affordable-performance coupe sector, potentially rivaling the Mazda MX-5, with a refined sporty drive experience at its heart.
Toyota GR86’s Electrifying Conversion: A Mazda Collaboration and the Turbocharged future?
Is the next-generation Toyota GR86 poised to redefine the affordable sports car segment? The answer,according to our expert,is a resounding yes.
Interviewer: Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a leading automotive engineer and expert in Japanese automotive design, welcome to World Today News. the recent reports surrounding the next-generation Toyota GR86—specifically, the potential Mazda collaboration and the shift to a turbocharged engine—have generated considerable buzz. Let’s delve into the specifics. What is your initial outlook on Toyota’s departure from its long-standing partnership with Subaru?
Dr. Tanaka: The decision to move away from the Subaru collaboration marks a notable strategic shift for Toyota. While the Subaru partnership undeniably produced a successful and well-regarded sports coupe in the past, the automotive landscape has evolved considerably. Toyota’s decision to pursue an independent path,potentially incorporating Mazda’s engineering expertise, signals a desire for greater autonomy in vehicle development and brand identity. This independent approach allows for clearer differentiation in design language and performance characteristics compared to the Subaru BRZ. More critically, this move also underscores Toyota’s broader commitment to expanding its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance brand and its ambitious vision for a larger sports car lineup.
interviewer: the rumors strongly suggest a move towards a turbocharged engine for the next GR86. What would this change mean from a performance and engineering perspective, and could you elaborate on the potential engine options?
Dr. Tanaka: The adoption of a turbocharged engine is indeed poised to be a game-changer. The current naturally aspirated engine, while providing an enjoyable driving experience, has inherent limitations in power output. Introducing a turbocharged powertrain, whether Toyota opts for the proven 1.6-liter three-cylinder unit from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla or explores a newer 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as some speculate, will substantially increase both horsepower and torque. This will dramatically improve acceleration, responsiveness, and overall driving feel, making the GR86 considerably more competitive in its segment. We are potentially looking at a considerable horsepower increase—perhaps exceeding 300 horsepower—significantly enhancing acceleration and responsiveness without losing the rear-wheel-drive exhilaration synonymous with the 86 lineage. Turbocharging also presents possibilities for improving fuel efficiency, particularly when considering potential hybridization technologies.
Interviewer: Reports also indicate a new, lightweight platform for the upcoming GR86. How significant is weight reduction in developing a high-performance sports car, and what are the key benefits Toyota should expect?
Dr. Tanaka: Weight reduction is absolutely paramount in sports car development. Every kilogram saved translates directly into improved handling, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. Using advanced lightweight materials, innovative manufacturing processes, and a meticulously optimized chassis design will all contribute to a more nimble and agile vehicle. This is particularly crucial for a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which is a foundational element of the 86’s iconic driving dynamics. A purpose-built platform allows Toyota to not only fine-tune the GR86 but also provides scalability for future GR vehicles, potentially including resurrected models like the Celica and MR2.
Interviewer: Mazda’s potential involvement is a crucial aspect. What specific engineering strengths could Mazda bring to the project, and how might that positively impact the next-generation GR86?
Dr. Tanaka: Mazda is widely recognized for its unwavering focus on delivering remarkable driving dynamics and its exceptional expertise in chassis engineering. Their beliefs,frequently enough summarized as “Jinba Ittai” (horse and rider as one),highlights the importance of a harmonious connection between the car and driver. Mazda’s contribution could significantly enhance the overall driving experience of the GR86, refining areas such as suspension tuning, steering precision, and overall vehicle balance. Their involvement could elevate the GR86’s handling and responsiveness, creating a driving experience characterized by seamless precision and an exhilarating connection to the road, appealing to drivers who value superior driving dynamics over mere raw power.
Interviewer: What is your prediction for the design philosophy of the next-generation GR86? How might Toyota approach the styling while maintaining its legacy?
Dr. Tanaka: While specific design details remain undisclosed, we can anticipate a design that seamlessly blends the 86’s classic proportions with contemporary styling elements. The next GR86 will likely retain its familiar silhouette, but with a more aggressive and aerodynamic aesthetic inspired by the existing GR models. The challenge, and indeed the possibility for toyota, lies in creating a unique design identity that distinguishes it from other GR vehicles—such as the GR Supra and any potential revivals of the Celica and MR2—while maintaining the essence of the beloved 86 heritage. The use of lightweight materials will also allow for refinements in body design, adding a further visual appeal.
Interviewer: Based on these potential changes, what is your overall assessment of the next GR86’s potential within the automotive market?
Dr. Tanaka:The upcoming GR86 holds immense promise. The shift away from Subaru, the potential collaboration with Mazda, the likely adoption of a turbocharged powertrain—combined with a new lightweight platform—suggest a vehicle that will significantly surpass its predecessors in performance, handling, and overall driver engagement. I confidently predict a car exhibiting noticeably improved power, torque, and fuel efficiency, all while retaining the signature driving characteristics that have made the 86 family so popular. This strategic evolution could firmly establish Toyota as a leading player in the affordable performance coupe sector, potentially rivaling established competitors like the Mazda MX-5 and targeting a broader audience of sports car enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: The next-generation Toyota GR86 has the potential to be a true game-changer in the affordable sports car segment.The combination of potential Mazda engineering, a turbocharged powertrain, and a lightweight platform indicates that this will be a highly compelling offering. What are your thoughts? Share your predictions in the comments below!