Toyota Gazoo Racing is gearing up for an exciting few years ahead, with ambitious plans that include the revival of the iconic Celica and the introduction of a new mid-engined MR2 successor. Despite these major projects on the horizon, Toyota has confirmed that the GR86 will continue to hold its place in the lineup. Rather than being phased out, the affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is reportedly already in line for a next-generation model.
The original Toyota 86 debuted in late 2011, and the second-generation GR86 followed in 2020. Given this timeline, industry observers anticipate that the third generation could arrive towards the end of the decade, with some reports from Japan indicating a possible launch in 2027.
In a notable shift from previous models, which were co-developed with Subaru and marketed as the Subaru BRZ, the upcoming GR86 is expected to be developed entirely in-house by Toyota. This represents a bold move by the automaker, particularly at a time when the global market for traditional sports cars continues to shrink and Gazoo Racing’s performance portfolio expands.
Adding intrigue to the project, reports from Japanese publication Mag X suggest that Toyota may enlist the expertise of Mazda through a shared engineering partnership. According to these reports, a Mazda engineer could take the lead on developing the new GR86. This collaboration would build on the growing relationship between Toyota and Mazda, with both companies finding ways to share resources and talent while preserving their unique brand identities.
The next-generation GR86 is expected to be built on an all-new lightweight platform, retaining the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration that has been a hallmark of the model’s appeal. Although Toyota briefly considered shifting to a mid-engine setup, those plans were eventually set aside in favor of maintaining the traditional layout that fans of the car have come to love.
Previous reports from Japanese automotive magazine Best Car also suggested that Toyota might adapt a version of the Lexus IS platform for the next GR86. This would further reinforce the commitment to a rear-wheel-drive format while allowing Toyota to leverage existing architecture for cost efficiency and performance enhancements.
With the likely end of the partnership with Subaru, the next GR86 is expected to move away from Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine. In its place, Toyota is reportedly considering its own powertrain options. Among the most talked-about candidates is the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine currently found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. This engine, capable of producing 300hp, was recently showcased in the GR86 Rally Legacy concept at the SEMA Show, fueling speculation that it could power the next iteration of the sports coupe.
While Toyota is expected to preserve the GR86’s rear-wheel-drive character, the possibility of incorporating hybrid technology remains on the table. Industry sources suggest that a hybrid-assisted version of the 1.6-liter turbo engine could not only boost power but also enhance fuel efficiency, aligning with modern performance standards.
Another engine option under consideration is Toyota’s newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which made its debut in the mid-engined GR Yaris M Concept at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. This powerplant is anticipated to be the driving force behind the upcoming Celica and MR2 successors, with output figures reaching around 296 horsepower in standard road-going form.
As of now, Toyota has kept design details of the next GR86 under wraps, and no official sketches or prototype sightings have been made public. The challenge for Toyota’s design team will be creating a distinct identity for the GR86 while ensuring it complements its Gazoo Racing siblings. With the Celica, MR2, and Supra already occupying key positions within the lineup, the GR86 is expected to continue serving as the entry-level sports car in Toyota’s performance range, positioned to rival upcoming models such as the next-generation Mazda MX-5.
With these developments, Toyota appears committed to preserving the spirit of the GR86 while evolving it to meet the expectations of a new generation of driving enthusiasts. Further details are expected to emerge as the project progresses towards its anticipated 2027 debut.
