- The successor to the GR86 is reportedly being developed entirely in-house by Toyota.
- According to the latest reports, a Mazda engineer might be involved in the project.
- The next coupe will retain the FR layout, although it could ride on new underpinnings.
Toyota Gazoo Racing has a lot on its plate for the coming years, with big plans that include the return of the Celica and a mid-engined MR2 successor. You’d think these models would make the GR86 feel redundant, but surprisingly, Toyota has no plans to kill off the affordable RWD sports coupe. In fact, new reports suggest that there’s a new generation already in the works.
The original Toyota 86 made its debut in late 2011, and was replaced by the GR86 in 2020. Given that timeline, it’s reasonable to expect the third generation might arrive around towards the end of the decade, with some Japanese sources pointing to 2027 as a likely launch year.
Bye-Bye Subaru, Hello Mazda?
In a significant departure from the previous models, which were jointly developed with Subaru that named its version the BRZ, the next GR86 is expected to be developed in-house by Toyota. This sounds like a brave move, considering the shrinking market for sports cars and the expanding lineup under Gazoo Racing. But here’s where it gets interesting: Toyota might be borrowing some talent from Mazda, leveraging their strong relationship to bring in a Mazda engineer to lead the project.
More: Mazda Inline-Six Rumor For New GR Supra And RX-7 Sounds Too Wild To Be True
The rumor about the Mazda engineer comes from the Japanese publication Mag X. According to them, the next-gen GR86 will be built on a new, lightweight platform, keeping the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that’s made the 86 family a favorite. Toyota briefly entertained the idea of a mid-engine setup, but ultimately scrapped those plans in favor of sticking with a more traditional approach.
Earlier reports from Best Car suggested that Toyota might base the new GR86 on a modified version of the Lexus IS platform, which would align with the rear-drive rumors.
2024 Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept
A New GR Turbo Powertrain
If true, that means it’s out with Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine and in with something new. Sources suggest the next GR86 will use a powertrain developed by Toyota, most likely pulling from the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. This engine, seen in the GR86 Rally Legacy concept at SEMA, cranks out 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS), making it a serious contender for the next-generation sports coupe.
However, don’t expect all-wheel drive here, as Toyota seems committed to keeping the rear-wheel-drive character of the car intact. But don’t rule out hybrid tech just yet; it’s possible the three-cylinder engine could get hybrid assist, which would boost both power and efficiency.
More: Toyota Hints At ‘MR-Something’ Mid-Engine Sports Car With 2.0 Turbo And AWD
Another option being considered for the GR86 is Toyota’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which debuted in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. This engine is expected to power the upcoming successors of the Celica and MR2, producing 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) in its most basic road-going form.
What Will It Look Like?
So far, Toyota’s been tight-lipped about the design, and we haven’t seen any sketches or camouflaged prototypes. Still, we’ve taken a shot at predicting what the next-gen GR86 might look like.
Our illustration combines familiar proportions with aggressive GR Parts aero components and fresh styling cues borrowed from the Toyota Crown Sport. The low-slung silhouette of the GR86 features a hammerhead front design, complemented by sporty bumper intakes, a sculpted profile, and a more pronounced rear end.
Inside, the car is expected to maintain its 2+2 seating layout, with a practical rear hatch and an updated dashboard design.
More: Toyota’s GR Supercar With 900HP V8 Could Drop This Summer
The tricky part for Toyota’s designers will be making the GR86 stand out from its Gazoo Racing siblings, like the Celica, MR2, and Supra. Each of these models needs to cater to a different group of buyers, and the GR86 will likely be the most affordable of the bunch, positioned as a competitor to the upcoming Mazda MX-5.
