An earlier version of the article speculated that there was an intercooler behind the front bumper, which was not the case. I apologize for the error – MK
Shortly after the first sighting of the next-generation Toyobaru twins, our spies spotted a fully camouflaged prototype being tested on public roads together with a Ford Mustang.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ test car you see in the pictures remains fully covered with the classic wrap but upon closer inspection, everything looks pretty much production-ready underneath.
The next generation BRZ/86 models will adopt a much cleaner design language, featuring better-integrated headlights and taillights and a big grille upfront.
Read More: Is This The Long-Awaited 2022 Toyota GR 86 / Subaru BRZ?
What looked like an intercooler behind the front grille is actually the A/C condenser, as fellow writer and race mechanic Bozi Tatarevic pointed out in his analysis on Twitter. The left side of the condenser is what threw me off originally, thinking it was a visible end tank. My gearhead card is revoked, I know.
Bozi also noticed that the test car pictured here is pretty similar to the outgoing models, featuring the same rear suspension and lower control arms, as well as a similar rear differential cover. All this points out to the new model being based on an updated version of the existing platform and not on the more modern TNGA underpinnings, as previous reports have suggested.
Not all hope is gone though, as the new Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR 86 is expected to be powered by Subaru’s 260 HP 2.4-liter turbo FA24 unit, which uses a top-mount intercooler in models like the Legacy and Ascent and the same could be the case here.
The turbocharged engine would be paired to a manual transmission as standard, just like the current models, with an automatic option also available.
If the new BRZ/GR 86 does retain a naturally aspirated engine, this could also mean that the Toyobaru twins might not become available in regions like Europe, due to stricter emission regulations.
The test car looks pretty compact, especially next to the Ford Mustang which we assume it’s there as a benchmark.
The interior is expected to retain its sporty character, with a high center console and a simple design for the dashboard. Of course, there will be a new, more modern infotainment system with a bigger touchscreen display and all the necessary connectivity options but that’s about it in order to keep the new BRZ/GR 86 at a safe distance from the Supra.
Subaru and Toyota are expected to reveal the new BRZ/GR 86 next year for the 2022 model year, so expect to see more camouflaged test cars being driven on public roads before their official reveal.
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