The Toyota 86, a name that resonated with driving enthusiasts for nearly a decade, vanished from Toyota’s lineup in 2020 (though it remained on sale for a bit longer in some markets). This sparked a wave of questions. Why would Toyota discontinue such a beloved and relatively affordable sports car? The answer is multifaceted, involving market trends, strategic partnerships, and the inherent limitations of the original design. This article dives into the reasons behind the 86’s discontinuation, exploring the factors that led to its eventual replacement by the GR86.
Declining Sales and Shifting Market Preferences
One of the most significant reasons for the 86’s discontinuation was its declining sales figures. While the car enjoyed a strong initial reception, its popularity waned over time. The sports car market, in general, experienced a shift in preferences, with consumers increasingly drawn to SUVs and crossovers.
The allure of a dedicated sports car, with its inherent compromises in practicality and comfort, began to fade for many buyers. Fuel economy, while decent for a sports car, was not competitive with more mainstream offerings. The rear seats were notoriously cramped, making the 86 less appealing to buyers who occasionally needed to transport passengers. These factors contributed to a gradual decline in sales, making it harder to justify the 86’s continued production.
The increasing demand for vehicles with advanced technology also played a role. While the 86 offered a pure, driver-focused experience, it lacked some of the advanced safety features and infotainment systems found in newer cars. The absence of features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) made it less competitive in a market where these technologies are becoming increasingly common.
The Subaru Partnership and Future Strategy
The Toyota 86 was not solely a Toyota product. It was the result of a collaborative effort with Subaru, who sold their version as the BRZ. This partnership, while initially beneficial, presented complexities when considering the future of the platform.
Toyota and Subaru had to align their strategies for the next generation of the car. The original agreement stipulated shared production costs and engineering expertise. However, evolving priorities and market demands required a fresh approach.
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division was gaining prominence, and the company was keen to inject more performance and excitement into its lineup. This ambition required a re-evaluation of the existing platform and a commitment to a more powerful and refined successor.
Subaru, on the other hand, was focused on improving the BRZ’s performance and addressing criticisms of the previous model. They also had their own technological advancements to incorporate, creating potential conflicts in the development process.
The need for a refreshed platform and a clearer strategic direction within Toyota’s expanding GR portfolio ultimately led to the discontinuation of the 86 in favor of a new model, the GR86. The GR badge signifies Toyota’s commitment to performance-oriented vehicles, and the GR86 was designed to better reflect this philosophy.
Performance Limitations and the Need for Improvement
While the Toyota 86 was praised for its balanced handling and accessible price point, it faced criticism regarding its engine performance. The 2.0-liter boxer engine, while responsive, lacked the torque and power that many enthusiasts desired.
The “torque dip,” a noticeable reduction in torque in the mid-range, was a common complaint among owners and reviewers. This characteristic affected the car’s acceleration and made it feel less engaging in certain driving situations.
Many owners sought aftermarket solutions to address the performance limitations, such as installing turbochargers or superchargers. However, these modifications could be expensive and potentially compromise the car’s reliability.
The desire for a more powerful and refined engine was a key factor in the development of the GR86. The new model features a larger 2.4-liter engine, which delivers significantly more horsepower and torque, addressing the performance shortcomings of its predecessor.
Toyota recognized that to remain competitive in the sports car market, they needed to offer a car with improved performance capabilities. The discontinuation of the 86 paved the way for the introduction of the GR86, a model that better met the demands of enthusiasts.
The Arrival of the GR86: A Successor Rises
The discontinuation of the Toyota 86 was not an end, but rather a transition. It marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, with the arrival of the GR86. The GR86 represents a significant step forward in terms of performance, refinement, and overall driving experience.
The GR86 boasts a more powerful engine, improved handling, and a more modern interior. It retains the core values of the 86, such as its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout, but elevates the experience to a new level.
The 2.4-liter engine in the GR86 addresses the torque dip issue that plagued the previous model. It provides a smoother and more linear power delivery, making the car more enjoyable to drive in a variety of situations.
The GR86 also benefits from improvements to its suspension and chassis, resulting in sharper handling and a more engaging driving experience. The interior has been updated with a more modern design and improved materials.
The GR86 is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to the sports car market. It demonstrates that the company is willing to invest in performance-oriented vehicles and cater to the needs of driving enthusiasts. The discontinuation of the 86 was a necessary step in the evolution of the platform, allowing Toyota to create a successor that is both more powerful and more refined.
The GR86 isn’t just a rebadged 86; it’s a significant upgrade across the board, justifying the transition and ensuring that the spirit of affordable, fun-to-drive sports cars lives on.
Was it really discontinued or just rebranded?
While Toyota officially discontinued the 86, it’s fair to say it was more of a strategic evolution than a complete abandonment. The spirit of the 86 lives on in the GR86, which is essentially a significantly improved successor. The core DNA – lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a focus on driver engagement – remains intact. The transition was necessary to address the shortcomings of the original and inject new life into the platform.
Key Improvements in the GR86 over the 86
The GR86 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor in several key areas.
Engine Performance
The most significant improvement is the engine. The 2.4-liter engine provides a noticeable increase in horsepower and torque, addressing the infamous “torque dip” of the original 86. This results in significantly improved acceleration and a more responsive driving experience.
Handling and Suspension
The GR86 features revised suspension tuning and chassis enhancements, leading to sharper handling and improved stability. The car feels more planted and confident in corners.
Interior Design
The interior has been updated with a more modern design and improved materials. The infotainment system is more user-friendly, and the overall cabin ambiance is more refined.
Styling
While the overall silhouette remains similar, the GR86 features a more aggressive and modern exterior design. The front and rear fascias have been redesigned, giving the car a more distinctive look.
The GR86 effectively addresses the criticisms leveled at the 86, offering a more complete and satisfying sports car experience. The discontinuation of the 86 was a strategic move to allow for the development of this significantly improved successor.
Why was the Toyota 86 discontinued, and what led to this decision?
The original Toyota 86’s discontinuation stemmed primarily from the introduction of its successor, the Toyota GR86. Toyota’s partnership with Subaru on the platform, initially successful, reached a point where a next-generation model demanded significant updates and improvements. It became strategically advantageous to launch a new model under the Gazoo Racing (GR) banner to signify a performance enhancement and attract a broader audience.
Ultimately, the decision was commercially driven. The original 86 had a good run, establishing itself as a fun and affordable sports car. However, sales had plateaued, and the introduction of the GR86 allowed Toyota to refresh the lineup, offer a more powerful and refined vehicle, and reignite interest in the segment. This transition allowed them to leverage the GR branding, signifying a commitment to performance-oriented vehicles.
What are the key differences between the Toyota 86 and the new Toyota GR86?
The most significant difference lies in the engine. The Toyota 86 featured a 2.0-liter engine, while the GR86 boasts a larger and more powerful 2.4-liter engine. This increase in displacement translates to a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall performance, addressing a common complaint about the original 86 – its perceived lack of torque. The GR86 also benefits from chassis enhancements and a slightly revised design.
Beyond the engine, the GR86 features subtle but important upgrades. The suspension has been tweaked for improved handling, and the interior receives updates with a more modern design and infotainment system. While the overall silhouette remains similar, the GR86 boasts a more aggressive front fascia and subtle aerodynamic enhancements. These changes contribute to a more refined and engaging driving experience compared to the original 86.
Will there be a future model to replace the Toyota GR86, and what might it look like?
The future of a direct successor to the Toyota GR86 remains uncertain, as it depends heavily on market demand and Toyota’s strategic priorities. While Toyota hasn’t officially confirmed plans, the success of the GR86 strongly suggests a continued interest in affordable sports cars. Any future model would likely need to embrace electrification in some form to meet evolving emissions regulations and potentially enhance performance through hybrid or electric powertrain options.
Speculation suggests that a potential successor could involve further collaboration with Subaru, or perhaps even internal development focusing on advanced technologies. It’s also possible that Toyota might explore alternative body styles or platform configurations to diversify their sports car offerings. Regardless of the approach, any future model would need to maintain the core principles of affordability, engaging handling, and a focus on driver enjoyment that made the 86 and GR86 so popular.
Are parts and service still available for the discontinued Toyota 86?
Yes, parts and service are still readily available for the discontinued Toyota 86. Toyota maintains a robust parts network and a long-standing commitment to supporting its vehicles, even after they are no longer in production. Owners can typically source parts through Toyota dealerships, online retailers specializing in Toyota components, and aftermarket suppliers.
Routine maintenance, repairs, and even more specialized services are also generally accessible. Toyota dealerships and independent mechanics familiar with the 86 platform are equipped to handle most service requirements. Given the shared engineering and parts with the Subaru BRZ, sourcing components shouldn’t pose a significant challenge for 86 owners in the foreseeable future.
What is the resale value of a used Toyota 86 currently?
The resale value of a used Toyota 86 remains relatively strong, largely due to its popularity as an affordable and fun sports car. Several factors influence the specific price, including the model year, mileage, condition, and any modifications. Generally, lower mileage, well-maintained examples tend to command higher prices.
The continued desirability of the 86 stems from its engaging driving dynamics and relatively simple engineering. Its successor, the GR86, has also positively impacted the value of used 86 models. By association with GR models, the previous 86 is now even more in demand among consumers, as an entry point to the GR brand. While prices may fluctuate with market conditions, the 86 has proven to be a fairly stable investment for those seeking an accessible sports car experience.
How does the discontinuation of the Toyota 86 affect the Subaru BRZ, its sister car?
The discontinuation of the Toyota 86, while marking the end of that specific model, didn’t directly harm the Subaru BRZ. Both cars were co-developed and manufactured, and the launch of the Toyota GR86 effectively signaled the arrival of the new-generation Subaru BRZ as well. Subaru continued to produce and sell the BRZ, benefiting from the same updates and improvements featured in the GR86.
The shared platform and development costs meant that the success of one car often supported the other. With the arrival of the new models, BRZ continued being manufactured. Subaru fans were excited as well. The collaborative approach allowed both Toyota and Subaru to offer compelling sports cars at a competitive price point, and the introduction of new generations for both models reinforced that partnership.
What are some alternative sports cars that potential Toyota 86 buyers might consider?
Potential Toyota 86 buyers seeking similar characteristics in a sports car could consider several alternatives, depending on their priorities. The Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a comparable level of driving engagement and affordability, albeit in a convertible form. It’s known for its nimble handling and responsive engine.
Other options might include used examples of sports coupes or hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Si or the Hyundai Veloster N, though they offer a different driving experience being front-wheel drive. Buyers willing to spend a bit more could explore the Nissan Z, which delivers a more powerful and performance-oriented experience. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on individual needs and preferences regarding price, performance, and practicality.