Next-generation Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ are officially happening

Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation have announced today September 27, 2019, that they will enter a new business and capital alliance. The new alliance aims to strengthen the two marques’ already existing long-term partnership.

The collaboration aims to pursue the creation of even better cars that the two companies alone can’t undertake. The two companies will also jointly develop all-wheel-drive models that promise to bring the next generation of handling and performance. Another key point to come out of this alliance is the joint development of the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. The BRZ and 86 are already due for a replacement as the platform being used has been in the market for over seven years now – a derivative of the older Impreza platform.

With the partnership being renewed, it confirms that the next-generation 86 and BRZ is in the works and that the 86/BRZ nameplate will not be going anywhere anytime soon. This also may be in response to Subaru discontinuing its popular EJ series of engines in favor of a new modern power plant. Other points of their partnership delve into the hybrid realm with the aim to create a Crosstrek Hybrid – that's the Subaru XV in our local market for the uninitiated. The application of Toyota’s hybrid system doesn't stop there as Subaru also plans to use it on other models in its line up.

Another key point to take from this Japanese car manufacturer partnership is that they are also aiming to develop autonomous driving. This partnership is also in response to the current demand for connected, autonomous/automatic, shared, and electric vehicles. While both companies already have their own version of driver-assist features, such as Toyota’s safety sense and Subaru’s Eyesight technology, having them co-develop an autonomous driving feature could lead to something even more potent.

Getting into the nitty-gritty of the partnership, Toyota will have a total of 20 percent voting rights in Subaru, while Subaru, on the other hand, will get shares from Toyota amounting to up to 80-billion yen.