This comes after a report last month by a Japanese outlet claimed that the GT86, as well as its twin, the Subaru BRZ, will be axed in favour of a revived version of the MR2 or possibly even the four-cylinder Supra, in spite of claims dating back to April last year that both will be succeeded in 2021.
Subsequently denied by Toyota North America at the end of last month, the automaker’s Australian Public Affairs Manager, Brodie Bott, has now waded in to the debate by confirming to online publication, goauto.com.au, that “there will be [a new GT86], we’ve seen it, it is coming”.
“When those reports blew up, we had a few chats internally and I can tell you right now, the car is coming. I don’t know where these reports have come from, but at this stage we are certainly not looking to discontinue it, it’s a pretty important car for us and it will be the little brother to the Supra,” Bott said.
Based on prior reports, the next GT86 will ditch the Subaru-sourced normally aspirated 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine for a bigger 2.4-litre motor, though it remains unknown if the mill will be turbocharged or remain free breathing.
Speculation is that Toyota could opt for the latter as the implementation of a blower will make it more powerful than the Supra, which in Japan will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo producing 145kW/320Nm in the base SZ and 190kW/400Nm in the SZ-R. At present, the sole 2.4-litre motor offered by Subaru is turbocharged and produces 191kW/376Nm in the US-market Ascent SUV.
According to the publication, the GT86 could well have been previewed by the GR HV Sport concept shown at the Tokyo Motor Show two years ago, but it remains to be seen whether elements such as the dual manual or automatic gearbox and hybrid drivetrain said to have been inspired by that of the TS050 used in the World Endurance Championship, are be carried over.
