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If you’re a fan of cheap, sideways fun, we’re about to make your day. We now have confirmation that those modern-day models of inexpensive hoondom called the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (née, Scion FRS) will indeed be sticking around for a second generation
The news comes from none other than Takeshi Tachimori, the big man at Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. He came clean on the plans for a second-generation car during an interview with Australia’s motoring.com.au.
“We are now discussing about how we can update the Toyota ‘Hachi Roku’ 86 and BRZ model and we are continuing that discussion,” he told motoring.com.au, “[as to] what we should do for next-generation BRZ.”
“The sports car market is not so big, but we need that kind of halo vehicle,” he added.
Tachimori was cagey on the timeline for a second-generation BRZ, refusing to confirm the Aussie website’s educated guess that the new version would show up in 2018. “I cannot tell you that, but we are working on it,” he said.
This is good news, as the future of the Toyobaru twins always seemed a little shaky. Initial sales were okay, but have since tapered off to a trickle. Still, Tachimori was exceedingly clear on the matter, stating firmly that the inexpensive sports car will not be going away.
Don’t expect to see a lot more power flowing out of the BRZ’s engine, though. The car, Tachimori says, isn’t about acceleration. “It’s a low centre of gravity and good weight balance. Putting a bigger engine upsets the balance,” he explains. Turbos or blowers, too, are a non-starter. “Naturally aspirated is the best for enthusiasts.”
A roadster version is a little more likely, but hardly a sure thing.
“We are discussing all kinds of ideas, including the convertible,” Tachimori said. “But my personal idea or opinion is that a convertible makes a vehicle market smaller. Especially in Japan and other countries where customers don’t have a garage and have to park outside.”
Tachimori’s statements cast a shadow over the rumors that Subaru is planning on selling a mid-engined hybrid sports car in the vein of a mini-Acura NSX. Such a vehicle would obviously be much more of a halo car than a lightweight, inexpensive vehicle that looks just like one of the cheaper cars in the Toyota showroom.
