Toyota GR 86 Set to Go Hybrid and Leave Subaru BRZ Behind in 2025!

Toyota GR 86 Set to Go Hybrid and Leave Subaru BRZ Behind in 2025!

The Toyota GR 86 is one of the most exciting sports cars on the market due to its affordable price, clever maintenance, and fun driving experience. Imagine if we told you that the latest model could be even more thrilling, thanks to a hybrid powertrain, a turbocharged engine, and a unique personality derived from its Subaru BRZ twin. We’re here to share what we know about the wild rumors circulating online.

Mixture Powertrain and Turbocharged Motor

According to a report by Japanese magazine Best Vehicle, the 2025 Toyota GR 86 will ditch the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine it shares with the BRZ and instead adopt a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a hybrid system. The report claims this engine will produce 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly less than the current GR 86’s 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, but the hybrid system will provide an extra boost of electric power and torque.

The report also suggests that the 2025 GR 86 will be the first model to use Toyota’s new Dynamic Force Engine, a modular platform that can accommodate various cylinder configurations and hybrid setups. The engine will be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission and will send power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.

Toyota 86 GR SPORT (4BA-ZN6) front” by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Separation from the Subaru BRZ

But why would Toyota make such a drastic change to the GR 86’s engine, and what does it mean for the BRZ? The report speculates that Toyota wants to differentiate the GR 86 from the BRZ and align it with the brand’s electrification strategy. Toyota has been heavily investing in hybrid and electric vehicles and has set a goal of having 70 electric models by 2025. The GR 86 could be one of them, benefiting from the hybrid technology Toyota has developed for its racing cars, such as the Le Mans-winning GR010 Hybrid.

Plan and Aspects

The report also claims that the 2025 GR 86 will have a more aggressive and distinctive design than the current model, with sharper lines, larger air intakes, and a bigger rear spoiler. The car will also be slightly larger, with a length of 168.9 inches, a width of 69.9 inches, and a height of 51.6 inches. The wheelbase will remain the same at 101.4 inches, but the track width will increase by 0.8 inches at the front and 0.4 inches at the rear. The car will also be lighter, with a curb weight of 2,822 pounds compared to the current model’s 2,881 pounds.

Toyota GR 86 RZ (3BA-ZN8) (2)” by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Subaru BRZ’s Future

As for the BRZ, the report suggests that Subaru will stick with the 2.4-liter flat-four engine and will not offer a hybrid version. The BRZ will also have a more conservative and elegant design, with softer curves, smaller vents, and a lower rear wing. The BRZ will be slightly smaller than the GR 86, with a length of 167.9 inches, a width of 69.9 inches, and a height of 51.6 inches. The wheelbase and track width will be the same as the GR 86, but the BRZ will be heavier, with a curb weight of 2,976 pounds.

These are still just rumors at this point, and neither Subaru nor Toyota have confirmed or denied them. However, if they turn out to be true, the 2025 GR 86 could be a game-changer for the sports car segment and a worthy successor to the legendary AE86. We can’t wait to see it in person, and we trust that Toyota will continue to produce affordable and fun cars for enthusiasts.

Related posts:
2025 Toyota GR86 Rumor: Turbocharged I-3 Hybrid Engine – MotorTrend
2025 Toyota GR86: Everything We Know So Far – HotCars
Wild Rumor Claims Next-Gen Toyota GR86 Will Be a Turbo Hybrid – Jalopnik