2017 Subaru BRZ leaked
Feann Torr23 Mar 2016
NEWS

New Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ confirmed

But hi-po turbo and convertible versions are still off the agenda for next-generation 86/BRZ, says top Subaru executive

Development of the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports coupe is well underway and can be expected to lob in about three years' time, but don't expect a big jump in power.

By Subaru's own admission the number one request from BRZ customers is "it needs more power", but the recipe for the next-generation Subaru BRZ and its twin-under-the-skin, the 86, is unlikely to change dramatically.

In a frank discussion with motoring.com.au, the boss of Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, Takeshi Tachimori, confirmed that the two Japanese car-makers will remain bedfellows for the second-generation rear-drive sports car but that big power outputs are not on the agenda.

"Yes, we are now discussing about how we can update the Toyota 'Hachi Roku' 86 and BRZ model and we are continuing that discussion, what we should do for next-generation BRZ."

Despite not being a volume-selling model, the Subaru supremo said the BRZ's future is secured.

"The sports car market is not so big, but we need that kind of halo vehicle," said Tachimori-san, who wouldn’t confirm motoring.com.au's suspicions of a 2018 release date.

"I cannot tell you that, but we are working on it," he stated.

Confirmation of a replacement for the BRZ could put a rest to rumours of an all-new mid-engined Subaru sports car, since such a vehicle would be prohibitively expensive to develop and sell alongside the affordable compact coupe.

Advancements in direct-injection technology and higher compression ratios are expected to yield higher power and torque outputs for the second-generation BRZ's 2.0-litre boxer engine, which in the case of the 86 will soon increase as part of a midlife makeover.

The upgrade takes the 86's Subaru-sourced naturally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine from 147kW and 205Nm to about 151kW and 214Nm, and with a subtle new look it will make its global premiere at the 2016 New York motor show later this week.

The same 4kW/9Nm increase is expected to give its mechanical twin a boost too. Like the updated 86, the MY16 BRZ is due to arrive in Australia late this year, and will also sport fresh front and rear designs, as evidenced by this leaked shot that appeared on fan site FT86club.com.

Then next logical, long-awaited step is to slot a turbocharged 2.0-litre turbo boxer engine – such as the circa-200kW one in the Subaru WRX or, better still, the WRX STI's 220kW 2.5-litre turbo-boxer – into the new BRZ and 86.

Tachimori's response was forthright, perhaps because the WRX and STI need to remain to the company's performance heroes, and perhaps because Toyota, Subaru's joint-venture vehicle partner, doesn't want a more powerful, more expensive compact coupe.

Echoing Toyota's long-running line, the FHI boss said the BRZ was about driving purity and response, and as such the focus was on chassis dynamics not peak power output. The compact coupe clones are also among the world's most affordable sports cars, and both companies are loathe to scrap the successful recipe.

"The number one request from our [BRZ] customers is more power. But it's about the balance of the vehicle. It's a low centre of gravity and good weight balance. Putting a bigger engine upsets the balance," he insisted.

"Our idea is try to find the best balance of that type of vehicle and improve drivability. Naturally aspirated is the best for enthusiasts," he said, essentially putting the kybosh on a turbocharged BRZ or 86.

So a WRX/STI-spec turbo version of the next 86/BRZ is out of the question, but how about a Mazda MX-5-rivalling convertible derivative? After all, the MX-5 is now credited with being one of the most affordable and involving front-engined, rear-drive sports car from Japan.

"We are discussing all kinds of ideas, including the convertible," revealed Tachimori.

"But my personal idea or opinion is that a convertible makes a vehicle market smaller. Especially in Japan and other countries where customers don’t have a garage and have to park outside, it's [cloth roof is] not good for that."

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