Why do the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 look the same?
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are two of the most popular sports cars on the market today, known for their sleek design, affordability, and thrilling driving experience. However, many car enthusiasts and casual observers alike have noticed that these two vehicles look almost identical. This similarity is no coincidence and stems from a unique collaboration between Subaru and Toyota. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind their shared design and what makes these cars stand out despite their similarities.
The Joint Venture Between Subaru and Toyota
The primary reason the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 look the same is that they were developed as part of a joint venture between Subaru Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation. This partnership was formed to create a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that would appeal to driving enthusiasts while keeping costs manageable for both manufacturers. By pooling their resources, the two companies were able to share the development costs and expertise, resulting in two nearly identical vehicles.
Shared Platform and Engineering
Both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are built on the same platform, which is why their dimensions, body shape, and overall design are so similar. Here are some key aspects of their shared engineering:
- Chassis: The cars share the same chassis, which was co-developed by Subaru and Toyota to provide a low center of gravity and excellent handling.
- Engine: Both vehicles are powered by a 2.4-liter flat-four "boxer" engine, a hallmark of Subaru’s engineering, paired with Toyota’s fuel injection technology.
- Suspension: The suspension setup is nearly identical, designed to deliver a sporty yet comfortable ride.
This shared engineering allows both companies to produce the cars more efficiently while maintaining high performance and quality standards.
Design Similarities and Differences
While the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 look almost identical, there are subtle differences in their design that reflect each brand’s identity:
- Front Fascia: The front grilles and bumper designs differ slightly, with the Toyota GR86 featuring a more aggressive look compared to the Subaru BRZ’s sleeker styling.
- Badging: Each car prominently displays its respective brand’s logo and name, helping to distinguish them.
- Trim Options: The interior trims and available features may vary slightly between the two models, catering to different customer preferences.
These differences, while minor, allow each car to appeal to its target audience while maintaining the shared DNA of the collaboration.
Why This Collaboration Works
The partnership between Subaru and Toyota has been a win-win for both companies and consumers. By working together, they’ve been able to produce a pair of sports cars that deliver exceptional performance and value. Here’s why this collaboration has been so successful:
- Cost Efficiency: Sharing development and production costs allows both companies to offer the cars at a competitive price point.
- Expertise Sharing: Subaru’s expertise in boxer engines and Toyota’s prowess in fuel injection and manufacturing have resulted in a well-rounded vehicle.
- Market Reach: By branding the cars separately, both companies can reach a broader audience without directly competing with each other.
Conclusion
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration in the automotive industry. While they may look the same at first glance, their subtle differences and shared engineering excellence make them unique in their own right. Whether you’re a fan of Subaru’s heritage or Toyota’s reliability, both cars offer an exhilarating driving experience that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BRZ stand for anything?
But as for Zenith. Well the definition. Is the time at which something is most powerful or successful.
Is the BRZ or GR86 faster?
Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ performance is tied, as both models posted a Car and Driver tested 0-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds. They share the same specs and platform, leading to equal capabilities in both vehicles.
Which is faster, BRZ or 86?
Is the Toyota G86 faster than the Subaru BRZ? Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ performance is tied, as both models posted a Car and Driver tested 0-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds. They share the same specs and platform, leading to equal capabilities in both vehicles.
Why are Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ the same?
Because the cars were jointly developed, they have the backing of Toyota, which has a reputation for building extremely reliable cars. The 2.0-litre boxer engine isn't unreliable, but if something were to go wrong, it could cost more to fix because it's a less common design.
What does Toyota GR86 stand for?
Toyota GR stands for Gazoo Racing and it is Toyota's high-performance division.
Why did Subaru Scion and Toyota 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.
Why do the GR86 and BRZ look the same?
Because they are made at the same factory, developed by Subaru & Toyota together. Subaru and Scion are manufacturing partners as well. Scion is a discontinued marque of Toyota that started in 2003.
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.
Is GR86 faster than BRZ?
Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ performance is tied, as both models posted a Car and Driver tested 0-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds. They share the same specs and platform, leading to equal capabilities in both vehicles.
What does GR86 stand for?
And yet, that's precisely what happened with Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR), which debuted in 2007 as a complement to Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Toyota's GR is aimed specifically at racing fans and street performance enthusiasts.
