Last November, Subaru gave a preview of the second-generation Toyota 86 with its updated BRZ coupe. The two share the same platform, propulsion system and other similarities, although the similarities differ in the driver’s seat. Toyota unveiled the GR 86 yesterday, though there is already a video against its platform sibling, and there are differences in the handling of the two.
The video comes from the LOVECARS! TV! YouTube channel (you can turn on the subtitles automatically), and it shows that the hosts take both sports cars around the racetrack and jump between drivers and cars to compare the two. Both notice the obvious differences in their handling, with the Toyota a little smoother around the corners, though still easy to control. The BRZ is the smoother of the two, offering a sense of safety on the border, though the 86 torquier feels with its more linear pedal feel.
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Both use the same 2.4-liter natural aspiration four-cylinder boxer engine to deliver power, replacing the 2.0-liter unit of the previous-generation model. The mill delivers 232 horsepower (173 kilowatts) and 250 Newton-meters of torque, which sends the power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Even interiors are almost identical with the same interiors, switches, pedals and air vents, but different badges and upholstery.
The similarities extend to the exterior design, with the front the biggest distinction between the two. The Toyota has the more aggressive front end of the two. However, all of these similarities do not come with the same driving experience, and that is a fascinating aspect of the automotive industry. Every carmaker has a unique touch that can make a profound difference in the feel of a car. It will be a while before the Toyota GR 86 and 2022 Subaru BRZ hit showroom floors in 2022, but we are eager to see how the two compare in a full review.
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