Will the Toyota 86 get a turbo?
The short answer is: No, the Toyota 86 is unlikely to receive a turbocharger in the near future. The 86 has remained naturally aspirated since its introduction in 2012, and Toyota has not announced any plans to add forced induction to the sports car.
Exploring the Toyota 86 and Turbocharging
The Toyota 86 (also known as the Subaru BRZ) is a rear-wheel-drive sports car that has gained a loyal following for its balanced handling and engaging driving dynamics. The car's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine, which produces around 205 horsepower, has been the subject of much debate among enthusiasts who have called for a turbocharged variant to boost performance.
However, Toyota has consistently maintained that the 86 is designed to provide a pure, naturally aspirated driving experience, and the company has not shown any indication that a turbo model is in the works. The automaker's focus seems to be on refining and improving the existing 86 formula rather than adding forced induction.
Reasons Why the Toyota 86 Likely Won't Get a Turbo
- Design Philosophy: The 86 was conceived as a lightweight, balanced sports car, and Toyota has emphasized that adding a turbocharger would go against the car's core design principles. The naturally aspirated engine helps maintain the 86's nimble handling and responsiveness.
- Pricing and Positioning: Introducing a turbocharged 86 could significantly increase the car's price, potentially moving it out of its current affordable sports car segment. Toyota likely wants to keep the 86 accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts.
- Overlap with Other Models: Toyota already offers turbocharged sports cars in its lineup, such as the Supra, which could cannibalize sales of a hypothetical turbo 86. The company may prefer to keep the 86 as a distinct, naturally aspirated offering.
While the prospect of a turbocharged Toyota 86 is enticing for some enthusiasts, the automaker's commitment to the car's original design philosophy and its current positioning in the market suggest that a forced-induction variant is unlikely to materialize in the foreseeable future.
