The Toyota/Subaru twins in the form of the BRZ and GT86 are nice sports cars that are cheap and offer rear-wheel drive fun. One thing that fans of the cars have clamored for since they launched was more power, and it looks like more power may be on the way. Toyota is tipped to be changing the name of the GT86 to GR86. It and the Subaru BRZ are tipped to be getting turbo power.
MotorTrend reports that the most likely motor to slot into the GR86 and BRZ will be the 2.4-liter turbo boxer four-cylinder Subaru Ascent. In the SUV, the engine makes 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque. It’s unclear if the engine will make the same power in the GR86.
Both the manual and automatic gearbox are expected to continue on. For those wondering, the “GR” stands for Gazoo Racing, the in-house racing and performance department for Toyota. The Subaru BRZ is expected to keep its name. The premier was expected in the summer of 2021; it’s unclear if that will still happen at this time.
Performance Enhancements
The introduction of a turbocharged engine in the GR86 and BRZ is a significant upgrade that could transform the driving experience. The current models are praised for their balanced handling and lightweight design, but the addition of more power could make these cars even more appealing to driving enthusiasts. The 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine from the Subaru Ascent is known for its robust performance and reliability, which could translate well into a sports car platform.
In the Subaru Ascent, this engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is a substantial increase over the current naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine in the GT86 and BRZ. This power boost could potentially reduce the 0-60 mph time significantly, making the cars more competitive with other sports cars in their class. Additionally, the turbocharged engine could offer better mid-range torque, improving acceleration and overall drivability.
Market Impact and Expectations
The potential rebranding of the GT86 to GR86 aligns with Toyota’s strategy to emphasize its Gazoo Racing division. Gazoo Racing has been instrumental in developing high-performance versions of Toyota’s mainstream models, such as the GR Supra and GR Yaris. By bringing the GT86 under the GR umbrella, Toyota is likely aiming to enhance the car’s performance credentials and market appeal.
The Subaru BRZ, on the other hand, is expected to retain its name but benefit from the same performance upgrades. Subaru has a strong following among enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s commitment to performance and all-wheel-drive technology. While the BRZ remains rear-wheel drive, the turbocharged engine could attract a broader audience looking for a fun and affordable sports car.
The introduction of turbo power in these models could also have implications for the aftermarket tuning community. The current GT86 and BRZ are popular platforms for modifications, and the addition of a turbocharged engine could open up new possibilities for performance upgrades. Enthusiasts may look forward to tuning the turbo engine for even more power, enhancing the cars’ performance on both the street and the track.
The anticipated changes to the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ, including the introduction of a turbocharged engine and the rebranding of the GT86 to GR86, represent exciting developments for fans of these sports cars. The performance enhancements could make these models more competitive and appealing, while the continued availability of manual and automatic transmissions ensures that they cater to a wide range of driving preferences. As we await the official debut, the prospect of more powerful and capable versions of these beloved sports cars is sure to generate significant interest and excitement among automotive enthusiasts.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
