The upcoming Toyota GR86 may feature a collaboration with Mazda and include a turbocharger. | Carscoops

      The upcoming third-generation GR86 will reportedly join Toyota's growing lineup of sports cars alongside the new Celica, MR2, and GR Supra.

      Sources indicate that Toyota is developing the successor to the GR86 entirely in-house and there may be involvement from a Mazda engineer in the project.

      The new coupe will continue to feature the FR layout but could be based on new underpinnings.

      Toyota Gazoo Racing has ambitious plans for the future, including reviving the Celica and producing a mid-engine MR2 successor. Despite these additions, Toyota intends to keep the affordable RWD sports coupe GR86 in production. Reports suggest that a new generation is actively being developed.

      The original Toyota 86 was introduced in late 2011 and was succeeded by the GR86 in 2020. Given this timeline, it is anticipated that the third generation could arrive towards the end of the decade, with some Japanese sources speculating a launch in 2027.

      A Shift from Subaru to Mazda?

      In a notable change from past models, which were developed collaboratively with Subaru (which produced the BRZ), the next GR86 is expected to be entirely designed by Toyota. This decision appears bold given the dwindling market for sports cars and Toyota's expanding Gazoo Racing lineup. Interestingly, Toyota may recruit some expertise from Mazda, utilizing a Mazda engineer to lead the project.

      This rumor about Mazda's involvement comes from the Japanese publication Mag X. They state that the next-generation GR86 will be constructed on a new lightweight platform while maintaining the beloved front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration of the 86 series. Though Toyota considered a mid-engine layout, they decided to proceed with a more conventional design.

      Earlier reports suggested that the new GR86 might be based on a modified Lexus IS platform, which aligns with its rear-drive configuration.

      A New Turbocharged Powertrain

      If these reports hold true, the GR86 will depart from Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine in favor of a new powertrain. It is anticipated that the next GR86 will utilize a Toyota-developed engine, likely the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder currently found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. This unit, which appeared in the GR86 Rally Legacy concept at SEMA, produces 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS), positioning it as a strong candidate for the next-generation sports coupe.

      However, all-wheel drive is not expected, as Toyota aims to preserve the vehicle's rear-wheel-drive essence. Hybrid technology is not out of the question, as the three-cylinder engine may incorporate hybrid assistance to enhance both power and efficiency.

      Another potential engine for the GR86 is Toyota’s new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which was introduced in the mid-engine GR Yaris M Concept at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. This engine is set to power the upcoming successors of the Celica and MR2, yielding 296 hp (221 kW / 300 PS) in its standard configuration.

      Design Expectations

      Currently, Toyota is keeping details about the design under wraps, with no sketches or camouflaged prototypes revealed. Nevertheless, we have attempted to envision what the next-gen GR86 could look like.

      Our speculative rendering envisions a design that combines familiar proportions with aggressive GR Parts aerodynamic elements and new styling cues inspired by the Toyota Crown Sport. The GR86 is depicted with a low profile, featuring a hammerhead front design, sporty bumper intakes, a sculpted side profile, and a more pronounced rear end.

      Inside, the vehicle is expected to keep the 2+2 seating arrangement, accompanied by a practical rear hatch and an updated dashboard layout.

      The challenge for Toyota's designers will be to differentiate the GR86 from its Gazoo Racing counterparts—Celica, MR2, and Supra—each aimed at distinct market segments. The GR86 is likely to remain the most affordable option among them, positioning itself as a competitor to the forthcoming Mazda MX-5.