Did the Toyota 86 copy the Subaru BRZ?
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are two of the most talked-about sports cars in recent years, thanks to their shared DNA and impressive performance. But this shared lineage has sparked a debate among car enthusiasts: did the Toyota 86 copy the Subaru BRZ, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive into the details to uncover the truth.
The Joint Development of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ
Rather than one brand copying the other, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ were developed as part of a collaborative effort between Toyota and Subaru. This partnership aimed to create an affordable, lightweight sports car that would appeal to driving enthusiasts. The project, often referred to as the "Toyobaru," combined Toyota's design expertise with Subaru's engineering prowess.
Here’s how the collaboration worked:
- Subaru's Contribution: Subaru provided the platform and the 2.0-liter flat-four "boxer" engine, which is a hallmark of Subaru's engineering. This engine design contributes to the car's low center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability.
- Toyota's Contribution: Toyota brought its D-4S direct and port fuel injection system to the table, improving the engine's efficiency and performance. Toyota also played a significant role in the car's exterior and interior design.
As a result, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially twins, with only minor differences in styling, suspension tuning, and branding. This shared development process means neither car can be said to have "copied" the other—they were created together from the ground up.
Key Differences Between the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ
While the two cars are nearly identical mechanically, there are a few distinctions that set them apart:
- Branding and Badging: The Toyota 86 features Toyota's branding, while the Subaru BRZ carries Subaru's logo. This is the most obvious difference between the two models.
- Styling Tweaks: The front bumper and grille designs differ slightly, giving each car a unique face.
- Suspension Tuning: Subaru and Toyota tuned the suspension systems differently, resulting in subtle variations in handling characteristics. The BRZ is often described as slightly more comfort-oriented, while the 86 leans toward a sportier feel.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Success, Not a Copy
The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are the result of a successful collaboration between two automotive giants, not a case of one brand copying the other. By pooling their resources and expertise, Toyota and Subaru created a pair of sports cars that deliver exceptional driving experiences at an accessible price point. Whether you choose the Toyota 86 or the Subaru BRZ, you’re getting a car that embodies the best of both brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't you buy a GR86?
It's usually stricter emissions regulations that force automakers to discontinue their fun cars in Europe. However, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ will be discontinued due to upcoming safety legislation.
What is similar to Toyota 86?
You can't buy a GR86 without at least considering a Subaru BRZ. The two are essentially identical, so shop them carefully to determine which version has the better feature set for you.
Which is faster, BRZ or 86?
Despite the identical power, weight, and tire offerings of each, the Toyota GR86 just edged out the BRZ at the test track, posting higher grip on the skidpad (0.98 g vs. 0.93) and reaching 60 mph 0.1 second quicker, in 5.8 seconds. On our figure-eight course, the GR86 was a full second quicker.
Are Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ the same?
Is the Toyota GR86 the same as the Subaru BRZ? The Toyota GR86 is a more aggressive-looking, slightly lighter version of the Subaru BRZ that offers more trim levels and exclusive perks like a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership6 and a High-Performance Driving Experience.
Is Toyota's GR86 outselling Subaru's BRZ in the US?
The GR86 is outselling the nearly identical BRZ by a ratio of five to one. A Subaru spokesperson told us: "The sales are directly linked to production.
Did Toyota copy Subaru BRZ?
Subaru and Toyota teamed up with the development of the GR 86 and BRZ, selling badge-engineered versions of the same car under both brand names. The first of the Subaru BRZ generations was launched in 2012, the same year the original Toyota 86 went on sale.
What Toyota is similar to Subaru BRZ?
The modern aerodynamic designs of the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are what give them their sporty features. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ both have a low and wide stance that not only enhances handling and stability, but also gives them a more aggressive, sporty look.
Are BRZ and GR86 made in the same factory?
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.
Why was the Toyota 86 discontinued?
The GR86 and BRZ will be discontinued in Europe in 2024 due to an upcoming safety legislation called General Safety Regulations 2.
Why does the Toyota GR86 look like the Subaru BRZ?
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are sports cars that impress in these areas. Both cars are built on the same platform so unsurprisingly they have many similarities. Their shared traits can make it hard to distinguish one from the other in certain areas.
