To finesse it and make it more distinctive compared to the jointly developed Subaru BRZ, Toyota delays the GR 86.
Subaru revealed the 2022 BRZ at the end of last year, with the model coming to showrooms in 2021. On the other hand, Toyota stayed quiet since the launch of the BRZ as the second-generation 86 is also planned to be released soon.
The Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ are sister-cars and almost have the same body and interiors. There is not much to change in terms of design, as the GR 86 will come with a slightly modified front bumper and rear headlights. Apart from these, the only visual change is the badging, with other aspects being quite similar. However, Toyota now delays the GR 86 to alter the vehicle’s performance and drivability and differentiate it from the BRZ.
Toyota would reportedly change the driving dynamics of the new GR 86 to make sure it handles better and faster than the BRZ. Akio Toyoda asked for the 86 to be slightly faster than its sibling, and the team is looking into fine-tuning the six-speed manual or automatic transmission and 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
With the news about the delay breaking out, the GR 86 will only enter production next year and come out as a 2023 model year. As the BRZ has already made its debut, it remains to be seen how Subaru’s head start will impact Toyota this time.
More details to come.
