Toyota has confirmed that the GT86 sports car will continue into a second generation, with a likely onsale date of 2018-2019.
“The GT86 is at the stage where it’s being decided on the next one,” Toyota Europe boss Karl Schlicht revealed. “Then a chief engineer will be assigned and away we go.”
The 197bhp rear-wheeldrive GT86 has carved out a niche as a fun driver’s car, but like most sports models, its strong early sales have subsequently subsided.
“The GT86 will carry on,” said Schlicht. “The car serves a big purpose. We are not getting out of that business. Sporty cars go through their phases. It’s our intention to continue with that car.”
Continued co-operation with Subaru also looks likely but is as yet unconfirmed.
“Will it be with Subaru?” said Schlicht. “I don’t know. But for the concept to carry on, with the low engine, we’d have to do that. There are a lot of reasons to continue with Subaru.”
A key engineering feature of the GT86 is its low-slung Subaru flat four engine, which keeps the centre of gravity low for better handling.
Schlicht also suggested that a soft-top version of the GT86 was unlikely. “We wouldn’t do it on the current model,” he said. “That doesn’t mean dealers wouldn’t like one, but there are so many other priorities that I don’t think we’ve got spare capacity for that.”
The new GT86 will sit below the reborn Supra in Toyota’s sports car line-up. The bigger coupé is currently in development with BMW, whose version will replace the Z4 roadster.
“That co-operation is going well,” said Schlicht. “It’s on track. It’s being done in Europe. Our version is a different car from BMW’s.”
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Ive owned a (15plate ) from
Ive owned a (15plate ) from new, and i have to say its the best car ive driven as a everyday car.
The drive and the ride is great,done a uk tour in her, and was well suprised on comfort and fuel consumption.
Will definatley looking to up grade, more BHP, would be nice also.
Its a shame and a blessing that not more people appreciate it
Some interesting comments on here. but "like a CLA" are you serious? I cant think of something as far removed from a GT86. The CLA is junior 'lifestyle' wannabe real merc, with its awful 'narrowmobile' proportions, its all about image and nothing to do with driving.
Also, someone mentions oil consumption on a flat four. Im not sure what would differentiate the GT86 version but mine is teetotal (in an oil way) dealer tells me they have low oil consumption generally, never needed to even top up in 20-odd thousand miles (services in between obviously). couldnt be happier with it and its great to hear that it will live on. Toyota have a great tradition of accessible real world sports cars and long may it continue.
Next Generation GT86/BRZ