2027 Toyota bZ86 is an electric GR86

Despite being a relatively niche product, the Toyota GR86 is one of the most frequently discussed and speculated models on the market.

This pint-sized little coupe captured the hearts and imaginations of enthusiasts, media and youth alike when the original GT86 debuted early last decade, and the rumour mill was running hot when it came replacement time.

There are still plenty of theories running around speculating the upcoming addition of a turbocharged engine or even a hybrid system, but what about an electric version?

The idea has certainly been floated in the media before, but what exactly such a vehicle would look like was and still is largely anyone’s guess.

That said, popular digital creator Theottle has taken a stab in the dark and mocked up their impression of what a battery-electric third-generation GR86 might look like, fittingly labelling it the bZ86.

Using the current iteration as a muse and make-shift stencil, the artist has adapted the exterior design of Toyota’s latest C-HR+ EV to the basic proportions and silhouette of the coupe, overlaying the compact SUV’s key features and next-gen front fascia.

The result is an attractive and muscular-looking two door that would be right at home in Gazoo Racing’s forthcoming portfolio of new product that’s primed to include a new Supra, Celica, Corolla, Yaris and MR2 at the very least.

Toyota has a policy of being tight-lipped on its future product plans which made the 2021 revelation of an electric 86 being on the cards all-the-more intriguing, even if executives didn’t quite say as much.

“Our intent is to keep providing this type of vehicle and that’s the reason we’ve gone into an investigation of different options,” Toyota chief engineer Yasunori Suezawa told Top Gear.

“However, we’ve just started this, so we’re not at a stage where we can mention hybrid or EV etc.”

That of course was more than three years ago now and there’s little doubt the situation would’ve evolved well beyond the discussions stage.

Odds are the 2027 Toyota bZ86 would retain its predecessor’s rear-drive configuration and be just as tail-happy, even if its kerb weight does creep up beyond 1500kg.

Some have theorised the third-generation internal combustion GR86 will debut late this year and go on sale globally in 2026 packing an iteration of Toyota’s next-generation 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

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