Why did Subaru Scion and Toyota make the same car?
In the world of automotive manufacturing, collaborations between brands are not uncommon. One of the most notable examples is the joint venture between Subaru, Scion, and Toyota that resulted in the creation of nearly identical sports cars: the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S (later rebranded as the Toyota 86), and Toyota GT86. But why did these companies decide to make the same car? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this unique partnership.
Shared Vision for an Affordable Sports Car
Subaru and Toyota shared a common goal: to create a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that was both affordable and fun to drive. By pooling their resources, they could achieve this vision more efficiently than if they had worked independently. The collaboration allowed them to combine their strengths and reduce development costs, making the project financially viable for both companies.
Division of Expertise
Each company brought its own expertise to the table, which was crucial for the success of the project:
- Subaru: Known for its engineering prowess, Subaru contributed its horizontally opposed "boxer" engine, which became the heart of the car. This engine provided a low center of gravity, enhancing the car's handling and performance.
- Toyota: Toyota provided its advanced design and development capabilities, including its D-4S direct and port injection system, which improved the engine's efficiency and power output.
By leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies were able to create a car that combined Subaru's performance-oriented engineering with Toyota's reliability and innovation.
Market Strategy and Brand Differentiation
Although the cars were nearly identical mechanically, branding them under different names allowed each company to target specific market segments:
- Subaru BRZ: Marketed to Subaru enthusiasts who appreciated the brand's engineering and performance heritage.
- Scion FR-S: Aimed at younger, budget-conscious buyers who were drawn to Scion's reputation for affordability and customization options. After Scion was discontinued, the car was rebranded as the Toyota 86.
- Toyota GT86: Sold in markets where Toyota's brand recognition was stronger, appealing to a broader audience of sports car enthusiasts.
This strategy allowed the companies to maximize their reach and appeal to a diverse range of customers without directly competing with each other.
Cost Efficiency Through Shared Production
Another key reason for the collaboration was cost efficiency. By sharing production facilities and components, Subaru and Toyota were able to significantly reduce manufacturing costs. This approach not only made the cars more affordable for consumers but also ensured profitability for both companies despite the relatively niche market for affordable sports cars.
A Win-Win Collaboration
The partnership between Subaru, Scion, and Toyota is a textbook example of how automakers can work together to achieve a common goal. By combining their expertise, sharing costs, and strategically marketing the cars under different brands, they were able to create a product that resonated with enthusiasts and stood out in the competitive sports car market.
At Kevin's Autos, we love seeing innovative collaborations like this in the automotive world. If you own a Subaru BRZ, Toyota 86, or any other vehicle, our experienced team is here to help with all your maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today to keep your car running at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
