2021 Toyota 86: Expectations and what we know so far

2021 Toyota 86: What we know so far

Subaru has already revealed the second-generation Subaru BRZ. While it’s yet to be released to the public, it definitely previews what the Toyota 86 specs are, and how it would look like. These two, after all, are literally the same car that was developed in cooperation between the two Japanese brands.

The second-generation Subaru BRZ previews the next Toyota 86

In connection to a Philippine-spec version, however, it’s certain that the Toyota 86 will still remain within the current first-gen model. But alas, we cannot help but talk about the future Toyota 86 as previewed by the new Subaru BRZ.

2021 Toyota 86: Exterior

Just like the new 2022 Subaru BRZ, the upcoming second-generation Toyota 86 will bear the same exterior design. Save for some minor brand-specific variances, it will have the same low-set grille, functional air intakes, and a “double bubble” greenhouse.

The rear will also feature a sleeker, more discreet ducktail rear spoiler, but the dual-exhaust will also make its return. Moving over to the sides, the BRZ also has a new set of multi-spoke wheels and a new set of side rocker panels.

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The Subaru BRZ doing what it does best

As for the chassis itself, the wheelbase of the new BRZ measures 2,564 mm, that’s shorter by 5.08 mm compared to the original one. This is because the Japanese carmaker applied some structural improvements that will reduce flexing.

As we’ve said, we are confident that we’ll see these exterior changes on the future second-generation Toyota 86 as well. If not, then we’ll certainly be surprised.

A rendering of what a 2nd-generation Toyota 86 could look like based on the new Subaru BRZ

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2021 Toyota 86: Interior

Inside, we’re certain that the second-generation Toyota 86 will bear little to no differences to the recently unveiled Subaru BRZ. That said, it will bear the same driver-oriented design that’s simple, functional, and well-arranged.

The interior of the Subaru BRZ

Note however that just like the new BRZ, the upcoming Toyota 86 will bear some improvements. One of these is the more visible seven-inch digital gauge cluster, which features a linear rev counter whenever the track mode is activated.

Apart from that, the 86 will also have an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, audio streaming, as well as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

The physical controls aboard the new BRZ

Last but not the least, the future second-gen 86 will still feature the same 2+2 seating arrangement. And while driver-oriented, we’re certain that the plush leather interior and sufficiently bolstered front seats will also be retained for the future Toyota sports car.

2021 Toyota 86: Engine and Performance

One of the major changes on the new BRZ that will also find its way to the Toyota 86 is the larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine. The said engine can now make up to 228 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque. The boxer’s output is then sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. A limited-slip rear differential is also standard for both the manual and automatic variants.

Another notable characteristic of the larger boxer engine is that it can now reach its maximum torque output at 3,700 rpm. In comparison, the boxer engine on the first-gen BRZ/86 needs to rev up to 6,600 rpm just to access that 205 Nm.

The BRZ/86's 2.4-liter boxer four gasoline engine

Apart from the more powerful boxer mill, the new BRZ/86 also rides on a better front MacPherson type suspension. The rear double-wishbone was also tuned to help provide more grip as well. Combined with the stiffer chassis, better aerodynamics, and better stability control, the new BRZ, as well as the upcoming 86, will definitely shape-up to become a better track weapon.

And yes, the stability and traction control system can still be turned off, at least for the recently debuted BRZ. That means that the Toyobaru sports car can still perform sweet power slides or drifts.

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2021 Toyota 86: Safety

If we took into account the recently revealed BRZ’s safety equipment, then we can be certain that the upcoming 86 might also come with better safety equipment.

This is especially true with the automatic versions that were packaged with the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist systems. As such, we can posit that the future Toyota 86 AT variant might come with the Toyota Safety Sense as well.

As for the manual 86, it will come with the same safety features as the recently revealed BRZ. That means it’ll get seven airbags, stability control, hill-start assist, cruise control, automatic headlamps, as well as a reversing camera.

2021 Toyota 86: Final Thoughts

Overall, we’re pretty sure that the future second-generation Toyota 86 will come with the same improvements found on the new Subaru BRZ. It might have more interior amenities compared to the older version, but it will remain to be a driver-oriented car like its Subaru brother.

As per specifications though, the new BRZ/86 is definitely going to be a better handling vehicle than the current BRZ/86.

If the Subaru BRZ can do this, then the upcoming Toyota 86 can too

Do remember though that the BRZ is yet to be launched to the public. According to Subaru itself, that won’t happen until the third or fourth quarter of 2021. That said, we can expect the Philippines to get the new BRZ sometime around 2022.

As for the Toyota 86, well we can expect that to also make its own global debut before 2021 ends. As such, Toyota Motors Philippines will likely carry over the current Philippine-spec Toyota 86 for the model year 2021.

2021 Toyota 86: Expected Price

As we’ve said in the 2022 Subaru BRZ global debut article, many are speculating that the new BRZ’s entry-level variant will start at USD 27,000 or Php 1,303,425.

Once it reaches Philippine shores, however, that price will certainly be bumped up due to import taxes, shipping costs, etc. The same of course goes for the future second-generation Toyota 86 price.

The rear end of the new Subaru BRZ

Currently, the Philippine-spec Toyota 86 prices sits at Php 2,056,000 for the 86 2.0 MT variant, and Php 2,156,000 for the 86 2.0 AT variant.

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