In February 2019, Toyota shot down rumours the Toyota GT86 would be killed off at the end of the current model’s lifecycle. And now a senior official at the Japanese firm has all-but confirmed the second-generation sportscar will again be developed alongside a Subaru-badged model.
Speaking to Autocar, Toyota’s marketing chief in Europe, Matt Harrison, said the next-generation GT86 would slot in below the new Supra, describing it as “a successful halo product for us”.
“Supra is not to replace that car. They are for different audiences and are different products. We see a situation where they will sit alongside each other,” he said.
Harrison added it was “a safe assumption” that the next-generation GT86 would retain its links to Subaru. The original, of course, was developed alongside the BRZ and featured Subaru’s naturally aspirated flat-four engine and the brand’s six-speed manual gearbox, too.
“Its role is not one particularly about volume globally. It’s about adding excitement to the brand and emotional appeal. The GT86 has definitely been successful for us in achieving that, particularly in markets like the UK,” he added.
The Toyota GT86 line-up in South Africa currently comprises just a single derivative, priced at R593 100. The BRZ, meanwhile, was pulled from the local market back in September 2015.
