Toyota 86-Subaru BRZ replacement uncertain

The long-term direction of the Toyota 86-Subaru BRZ joint venture has been thrown into disarray following reports the partnership between the two car-makers has ended.

First launched in 2012, the affordable sports car pairing has been a veritable sales and brand-building success for both marques in Australia. At one time, the 86 was the best-selling sports car in the country.

However, the collaboration has been clouded in recent days by a report from Japanese Nostalgic Car, which speculates the two Japanese marques have parted ways, and the 86/BRZ replacement cancelled.

JNC speculates Toyota the 86 will effectively be absorbed by an entry-version of the Supra in second-generation guise, or potentially pave the way for a reincarnated MR2.

Toyota and Subaru’s Australian subsidiaries have hosed down the speculation, however neither have made public commitments to their respective sports cars beyond the current generation.

A Subaru Australia spokesperson said the car-maker was satisfied with the BRZ’s success, and re-iterated the coupe would remain part of its line-up “for the foreseeable future”. Asked whether it was unusual for the replacement car not to be determined by now – the typical lifecycle of a Subaru product is six to seven years – the spokesperson agreed an announcement would usually have been made.

Meantime, Toyota Australia said in a statement that “it has no plans to discontinue the 86”.

“It remains an important part of our vehicle range,” the car-maker said.

The JNC report speculated that Toyota would replace the 86 with a four-cylinder, entry-level version of the forthcoming Supra. However, Toyota Australia has kept its distance from a potential four-pot  Australian arrival.

The 86-BRZ revelations fly in the face of a report from the Japan Times less than 12 months ago, which said Toyota and Subaru would continue their partnership beyond the first generation of sports cars, with showroom offerings to materialise around 2021.