Subaru Confirms BRZ Successor Amid Uncertainty Over Platform
Subaru has committed to a new generation of the BRZ, but the company has yet to decide whether to continue its partnership with Toyota or pursue a different route for the platform.
Subaru has confirmed that the BRZ will receive a successor, putting to rest speculation about the sports coupe’s future. The decision comes as questions remain over whether the next-generation BRZ will continue to share development with Toyota’s GT86 or take a different direction.
A source within Subaru stated that the company will not discontinue the BRZ and that a new model is planned. This assurance comes amid industry reports suggesting that Toyota is still finalising its own plans for the next GT86, with one scenario involving the use of the Mazda MX-5 platform. Subaru has not ruled out any scenario, including adopting a Mazda-based architecture for its own coupe, but no decision has been made.
Partnership with Toyota in question
The first-generation BRZ and GT86 were developed as joint projects between Subaru and Toyota, sharing a rear-wheel-drive platform and Subaru’s flat-four engine. With Toyota reportedly considering a shift to the Mazda MX-5 platform for the next GT86, the future of the Subaru-Toyota partnership is unclear. Subaru has not confirmed whether it will follow Toyota’s lead, develop its own platform, or seek another partner.
Mazda’s lightweight rear-drive chassis is reportedly under consideration, but Subaru has indicated that every scenario remains possible. This leaves open the prospect of a unique Subaru-developed platform, continued collaboration with Toyota, or even a multi-brand partnership involving Mazda or Fiat, as has been rumoured for related projects.
What it means for sports car buyers
For buyers, Subaru’s commitment ensures that an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe will continue in the line-up. However, the final character of the next BRZ, its chassis, engine and driving dynamics, will depend on which platform and partners Subaru selects. No technical details, launch dates or pricing have been released.
