Why did Subaru Scion and Toyota make the same car?
In the automotive world, it's not uncommon for car manufacturers to collaborate and share platforms, engines, or even entire vehicle models. This was the case with Subaru and Toyota, who joined forces to develop a sports car that was sold under both the Subaru Scion and Toyota brands.
The Collaboration Between Subaru and Toyota
The partnership between Subaru and Toyota dates back to the late 2000s, when the two Japanese automakers decided to combine their resources and expertise to create a new sports car. The result was the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (also known as the Scion FR-S in some markets), which were essentially the same vehicle with minor styling differences.
The decision to collaborate on this project was driven by several factors. Both Subaru and Toyota were looking to expand their sports car offerings and appeal to a younger, more enthusiastic customer base. By pooling their resources, they were able to develop a vehicle that was more affordable and accessible than their respective flagship sports cars.
The Shared Platform and Design
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86/Scion FR-S were built on a shared platform, which was developed by Subaru. The cars featured a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive layout, powered by a Subaru-developed 2.0-liter boxer engine. This configuration was designed to provide a pure, engaging driving experience that would appeal to enthusiasts.
While the underlying platform and mechanical components were shared, the two automakers differentiated the cars through unique styling and branding. The Subaru BRZ had a more aggressive, angular design, while the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S had a more rounded, sleek appearance. However, the overall driving dynamics and performance were largely similar between the two models.
The Benefits of the Collaboration
The collaboration between Subaru and Toyota on the BRZ and 86/FR-S project brought several benefits to both companies:
- Shared development costs: By working together, Subaru and Toyota were able to spread the costs of designing and engineering the sports car, making it more financially viable for both companies.
- Expanded market reach: The availability of the same vehicle under different brands allowed Subaru and Toyota to tap into a wider customer base, appealing to both Subaru and Toyota loyalists.
- Leveraging expertise: Subaru's expertise in boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems, combined with Toyota's experience in sports car development, resulted in a well-rounded and capable sports car.
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86/Scion FR-S collaboration was a successful example of how automakers can work together to create a unique and engaging product that appeals to a specific segment of the market. The shared platform and design allowed both companies to offer a sports car that was affordable, fun to drive, and appealed to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Why was the Toyota 86 discontinued?
The Toyobaru is being killed due to new safety regulations, but the Miata lives on. 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.
Why do Toyota, Subaru, and Scion make the same car?
Fast forward to 2012 and the iconic Toyota 86 was born, as well as the Subaru BRZ. Both were initially JDM cars, but there was a huge demand for these compact cars in the US and Canada. Eventually, Toyota brought in the 86 and rebadged it to be under the Scion umbrella and the FR-S was born.
What Subaru has a Toyota engine?
It is used in the Subaru BRZ, and is identified by a Toyota engine family code known as the 4U-GSE, which is installed in the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S.
Does BRZ have a Toyota engine?
Toyota used Subaru's engine technology for its car, so both have the same 200hp 2.0-litre boxer engine, which is slightly different to the engines you'd find in most other cars except for many Subarus.
Why are Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 the same?
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.
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Scores:
| Rank | Brand | Predicted Reliability Score (100-point scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subaru | 68 |
| 2 | Lexus | 65 |
| 3 | Toyota | 62 |
| 4 | Honda | 59 |
Why did Toyota abolish Scion?
Toyota has killed its ailing Scion brand after its quirky designs failed to catch on and low gasoline prices made small cars a tougher sell. The brand's vehicles will be re-badged as Toyota models beginning with the 2017 model-year.
What percentage of Subaru is owned by Toyota?
a 20%
Subaru is considered an independent automaker, similar to Ford and General Motors. However, Toyota does own a 20% stake in Subaru, making them the largest single shareholder. This alliance offers benefits to both companies, but Subaru maintains separate operations and branding.
Why did Toyota create Scion?
The Scion brand gave Toyota an outlet to test ideas on the market without affecting its primary brand. Out-of-the-box design was only a part of this. A few other successes and pioneering aspects of the brand included: Mono-spec: All Scion models were offered in one trim level, which simplified the shopping process.
Why did Toyota collab with Subaru?
Cross platform collaboration, Toyota is to use Subaru's AWD technology and Subaru is to benefit in the advancement in Hybrid tech from Toyota. They even presented the potential future models that are supposed to come out by 2025. All in all something like 8 models all with potential for AWD and hybrid.
