By Christopher Tracy
Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation have announced that their current alliance will be lengthening into a long-term partnership.
The major takeaways from the announcement are to continue making ever-better cars (didn’t say SUVS, weird right?) and to expand the partnership to survive this once-in-a-century period of change.
More Sportscars
Really what this means for us is that we will see a second generation of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The announcement of the second-gen is in the same section that discusses jointly developing more all-wheel-drive models. While it would be interesting to see an all-wheel-drive BRZ, there is no indication that this will become a reality.
The best rumor we’ve heard about the next generation of the 86/BRZ is that it could possibly utilize the Turbo 2.4L four-cylinder engine from the Subaru Ascent (260 hp/277lb-ft.). Delicious. More horses, more torques, and snail power: approved. Even if it isn’t the turbo version, more power will be welcome in the 86/BRZ.
Hybrids & Driver Aids
The second takeaway from the announcement, there will be more hybrid Subaru models using Toyota’s Hybrid System. The Subaru CrossTrek Hybrid has done well enough for Subaru to pursue more hybrid versions. The hybrid Outback, Forester, and Ascent are possibly coming.
The cooperation with hybrid technology also extends into technical collaboration. Connected vehicle technology and autonomous driving will be areas of focus. While it will be years, if not decades, before the world sees true autonomous driving, Toyota has been working on a Guardian system to aid drivers. Basically, if you try to steer into another vehicle, the Guardian system will stop you from hitting that vehicle. This system is not ready for production currently. This system and more driver aids will be a point of focus for Toyota and Subaru. Both brands view these systems as the best way to continue to improve safety in their vehicles.
The hybrid, connected vehicles, and autonomous systems are all well and good, but I’m most excited about the possibility of finding a stock used BRZ in the future to use as a daily when my kids get older.
Greg Kachadurian
It’s a shame neither brand can bring decent styling to the table.
To each his/her own, but I’ve never liked it. I like what the car is, fundamentally: a modestly-powered, naturally-aspirated car with RWD and a proper manual. But styling-wise, it’s half generic Subaru and half ugly Toyota. I’d honestly rather it be more the former, but it has that amorphous, taffy-like design theme that Toyota seems to be fond of these days. It’s a shame, too, because the overall profile isn’t unlike the classic 240Z, but the details drag it down, in my opinion.
It makes me regret that Nissan didn’t push forward with its IDx concept. I’m no fan of current Nissan styling either, but the IDx managed to have a modern look that also paid homage to the 510. The 86/BRZ is forgettable at best. I wouldn’t regret owning one, but if so I’d have to at least get creative with the headlights and taillights, and do something about the fish mouth (/emoji smile).
On a similar (styling) note to the IDx, I thought the Peugeot e-Legend concept was fantastic.
https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/24/590x/Peugeot-e-Legend-Concept-car-1020243.jpg
My only problem with the e-Legend is how overdone it looks compared to the 504 it’s meant to emulate, to the point it’s bordering on a Gallic Camaro. Although, I’m not sure if that’s better or worse than the Toyobaru’s inoffensive lack of styling.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/images/2017/06/22/TELEMMGLPICT000130451640_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth=450
It’s admittedly a bit over-the-top, but then again, it’s a concept. I’d just love to see the design cues adopted, with the expectation that they’d be diluted a bit on a production model. I still unashamedly love it– especially the more formal roof and distinct trunk, which you don’t see as often anymore. Sedans and coupes have largely adopted a fastback slope that’s rapidly becoming cliche.
Had the same thought. I like what it is, at least on paper.
I also like that Toyota and Subaru are sticking it out for another generation. I don’t know how much profit they made on them, but there seems to be a niche there. Hopefully they don’t go all 2nd generation Scion on it and make the unique upsides/differentiators less so.
I agree– once I don’t need seats for multiple butts, a well-kept stock BRZ would be a nice DD. Again, I wish it were something I’d enjoy stepping back and admiring, but the view from behind the wheel is where it matters, anyway.
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