CAR /
IMPRESSION
July 29, 2021
Evolving into Sports Cars with Distinct Tastes: Test Drive of the New Toyota 86 & Subaru BRZ (Prototype)
TOYOTA 86 | The Toyota 86
SUBARU BRZ | The Subaru BRZ
Test Drive of the New Toyota 86 & Subaru BRZ (Prototype)
Developed with the concept of a "sports car within reach," the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, which have been well-received even in the "winter of sports cars," are undergoing a full model change. FUMIO OGAWA, an automotive journalist who test-drove a prototype, reports on their evolution.
Text by FUMIO OGAWA | Photographs by HIROMITSU YASUI
Keeping the "Lightweight, Compact, and Affordable" Concept
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are getting a full model change (Subaru BRZ announced July 29). In mid-July 2021, a journalist-exclusive test drive event for prototypes was held. True to the developers' words that they were made for people who love driving even as adults, these are quite enjoyable models.
The 86 and BRZ are rear-wheel-drive coupes announced in 2012. As their delightful concept of "sports car within reach" suggests, they are equipped with a 2.4-liter engine in a body approximately 4.2 meters long. They were created with the aim of being enjoyed by as many people as possible, as an antithesis to expensive, high-powered sports cars.
The new models also follow the concept of the current generation. "Lightweight, compact, and affordable. We've kept these characteristics," said Yuya Fujiwara of Toyota GR Company, who played a crucial role in development, at the test drive event.
A major feature of the new models is that TOYOTA GR and SUBARU have each adopted their own distinct approaches. While the current models were developed by Subaru with Toyota joining in, the new models reflect TOYOTA GR's unique concept for the GR86 and Subaru's for the BRZ.
Sports cars hold a very small share of the market. Yet, they persist. There are even several specialized manufacturers. "We've faithfully recreated a traditional sports car," says Masaya Sato from the design department, who was in charge.
Although these are prototypes and still subject to development targets, the published figures show the BRZ's wheelbase at 2,575mm and overall length at 4,265mm. Compared to the current model, the wheelbase is the same. The length is reduced by 5mm, the width is the same, and the height is increased by 25mm to 1,310mm.
The engine displacement for both new models has been increased to 2,387cc from the current 1,998cc. "This was considered in response to user feedback that the power was insufficient," explained Masahiko Inoue, who led the development on the Subaru side as Product General Manager.
They opted against turbocharging to avoid the increased number of parts, such as the turbocharger itself, which weighs over 10kg, and the intercooler for improved efficiency. They also added that this was to prevent an increase in weight and price.
As designer Mr. Sato mentioned, the body aims to achieve a sense of quality through its surfaces, minimizing lines. In sunlight, the body's contours are clearly visible, giving it a strong, almost organic, monolithic feel.
The cabin's window graphics (the outline of the side windows) are similar to the current model. Combined with the long-nose, short-deck proportions, it conveys that the initial concept of a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car has been inherited and refined.