Will the 86 get a turbo?
As of late 2025, there is no confirmed turbo version of the Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ. The cars currently use a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, and neither company has announced a factory turbo option.
Current state of the 86 lineup
Baseline power output and transmission options across major markets establish the car’s performance starting point.
- Toyota GR 86: 2.4-liter FA24 engine, about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque; offered with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic in most markets.
- Subaru BRZ: 2.4-liter FA24 engine, similar output (roughly 228 hp and 184 lb-ft); available with manual or automatic transmissions in many regions.
- Performance-oriented variants: markets occasionally offer sport-focused trims or editions with upgraded suspension and brakes, but none are turbocharged.
In short, the current 86 family remains naturally aspirated, emphasizing light weight and balanced handling over forced induction.
Why a turbo isn't on the menu (yet)
Several factors influence whether Toyota and Subaru would add a factory turbo to the 86 family. The cars are designed to be lightweight, affordable sport coupes, so a turbo adds packaging challenges, weight, heat management needs, and potential reliability and warranty considerations. Emissions targets and a broader electrification strategy also shape the lineup decisions, making a turbo unlikely in the near term unless a clear business case emerges.
Here are the factors that would influence the decision to introduce a turbo variant:
- Engineering and packaging: A turbo requires space for intercoolers, piping, and cooling—complicating the compact engine bay.
- Weight and handling: Turbocharging adds weight and can alter the car’s famously light, balanced feel.
- Reliability and warranty: Factory forced induction would entail warranty considerations and long-term reliability questions.
- Regulatory and emissions pressures: Turbo engines must meet evolving CO2/fuel economy standards in key markets.
- Product and electrification strategy: The brands’ broader plans for performance and electrification influence whether a turbo fits into the roadmap.
Until there is an official statement, the turbo option remains speculative, with enthusiasts watching for any signals from Toyota or Subaru.
What a turbo could look like if announced
If a turbo version were approved, designers would need to balance power gains with the 86’s core attributes. Here is a speculative outline based on industry practice and the model’s niche:
- Power targets: Factory turbo versions could push output into the mid- to upper-260s horsepower, with higher torque figures, depending on boost and cooling solutions.
- Drivetrain and chassis: Likely a sports-focused setup with manual transmission as standard and an automatic option; improved cooling, revised exhaust, and possible brake and suspension tweaks to maintain handling balance.
- Market differentiation: A turbo variant would likely be positioned as a higher-performance option in select regions, while base models stay approachable.
- Timing and availability: If it happens, a turbo variant would probably appear later in a generation’s lifecycle and vary by region.
Conclusion: A turbo GR86/BRZ would aim to amplify power without sacrificing the car’s lightness and nimble handling, but only if the engineering and business case align with the brands’ broader strategies.
Alternatives for more performance today
For buyers seeking more punch without a factory turbo, several routes are available, though they may affect warranty or reliability assurances:
- Official performance trims: Look for region-specific performance variants or accessories that enhance braking, suspension, and aero without turbocharging.
- Aftermarket enhancements: ECU remaps, exhausts, intakes, and bolt-on upgrades can increase power, but they require careful tuning and can void warranties.
- Suspension and tire upgrades: Upgraded springs, dampers, and high-performance tires can improve on-track capability and cornering without adding significant weight.
- Weight management: Lighter wheels and strategic aero can improve handling and acceleration perception even before horsepower gains.
Conclusion: There are legitimate ways to boost performance today, but they come with trade-offs in warranty, reliability, and long-term maintenance. A factory turbo remains a decision for future strategy rather than current execution.
What to watch for going forward
If you’re tracking the 86’s future, monitor official statements from Toyota and Subaru, as well as auto-show reveals and timing for next-generation updates. A turbo variant would represent a significant shift in character and pricing, so any announcement would likely come with broader product and electrification context. Until then, expect continued refinement of the existing naturally aspirated platform and potential regional trims rather than a turbo rush.
Summary
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ today are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine with around 228 horsepower, and there is no confirmed turbo version in development or on sale. While a turbo GR86/BRZ would offer more power, it would require careful engineering to preserve the car’s lightness, balance, and reliability. For now, enthusiasts can enjoy the current lineup and consider performance-oriented trims or aftermarket options to boost capability, all while the brands evaluate their long-term product strategy in an increasingly electrified market.
