Next-Gen Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ Rumored to Get Hybrid Tech
New rumors are suggesting that the next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ could get hybrid technology to boost performance.
Fans of the rear-drive coupes have been asking for more power and torque, and a hybrid setup would significantly boost torque at low engine speeds and be more fuel efficient than the Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine in the current car.
Fueling rumors of a Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ hybrid are Toyota’s large investments in lithium ion batteries. Late last year, the Japanese automaker announced it had developed an improved lithium-ion battery pack that was safer, more reliable and featured greater energy density than the nickel metal hydride packs it previously used in hybrid vehicles. At the time of the announcement, Toyota Prius chief engineer Koji Toyoshima said developing new lithium-ion batteries would enable Toyota to produce more hybrid and all-electric vehicles in the future.
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Hybrid cars typically don’t feature manual transmissions, so the 86 and BRZ hybrids might be limited to automatics. The Honda CR-Z hybrid was offered with a six-speed manual, though, so not all hope is lost for those looking to row their own gears in the next-gen hybrid sports cars.
The next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ hybrid are expected to arrive sometime in 2020.
[Source: Auto Evolution]
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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