Toyota GR 86 delayed because of BRZ similarities - report

Since the second-generation Subaru BRZ was unveiled November last year, Toyota has been oddly quiet about its follow up to the 86. And now we might now know why.

According to BestCarWeb, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda has instructed the 86 development team to better “differentiate performance from the BRZ”.

This late request from the CEO will reportedly push the GR 86’s launch from this year to 2022.

As the BRZ and GR 86 will be produced in the same Subaru factory, Toyota’s changes will likely be limited to engine mapping and gearing.

Once again the GR 86 and BRZ are expected to share body panels with visual differentiation limited to bumpers and lights.

The second-generation BRZ rides on the same platform as the model that went into production in 2012, but it has a new drivetrain and interior, as well as a longer, lower body.

Under the bonnet there’s a larger 2.4-litre flat-four engine with direct and port injection. It’s rated at 170kW and 249Nm, which is a nice step up from the outgoing car’s 152kW/212Nm 2.0-litre mill.

The engine is connected to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Inside there’s a completely redesigned dashboard with a 7.0-inch digital instrumentation display, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The new BRZ is expected to enter Aussie showrooms in the latter part of 2021.

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