The second-generation Toyota GR86 is not even two years old, yet news has surfaced that it may already be getting a new version as soon as 2025.
According to a report from Autocar, the two-door sports coupe will fail to comply with Japanese fuel consumption and emissions standards within the next two years.
Additionally, new European Union (EU) safety regulations set for enactment next year may hit hard at GR86's windshield design, as it may not be suitable for the traffic-light recognition cameras required for all new cars.
All that points to a new iteration of GR86 that will carry a fresh design and an intriguing powertrain. Signs point to Toyota using an electrified version of the 1.6-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder powertrain found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Yes, that mean's a hybrid GR86 is likely on the horizon.
Speaking to Autocar, Toyota Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima said: "Hybrid systems are always a good solution for environmental cars, not just for passenger cars but for sporty cars as well. We can build them at a lower price than battery-electric models, and we know how to make them fun to drive."
With the new GR86 about two years away, there's a good chance Toyota's in-development solid-state battery technology advances enough to make it a viable choice for the sports car. But Toyota must overcome weight hurdles in that tech to keep GR86 as lightweight as it's been.
In New Zealand, 2023 order books are closed for the current-spec Toyota GR86, but interested customers can register their interest in the 2024 model at local dealerships. GR86 starts at $58,490 (plus a $5,865 Clean Car Fee) for both the manual and automatic versions.