New reports from the Japanese publication, BestCarWeb, have surfaced regarding the next-generation Toyota GR86, and it confirms what previous rumors claimed, along with a few new details, giving us insight into what we are in for.
It is a well-known fact that Toyota is doubling down on hybrid vehicles, and it appears this extends to the company’s performance models. We already know that the new Celica Sport will feature a hybrid setup, revolving around the G20E engine, which could spell trouble for the next-generation Supra. That is, unless Toyota decides to use Mazda’s inline-six for the next generation of the iconic sports car.
Toyota GR86 is about to get its most comprehensive redesign ever
The 2028 Toyota GR86 will reportedly be a major overhaul rather than an all-new model. The car will no longer have a Subaru-badged twin, but another Japanese carmaker will step in to provide input - Mazda. The goal is to make a mild-hybrid work with a manual transmission, and Mazda is the only carmaker currently doing that.
The new GR86 will get upgraded Brembo brakes and new suspension tuning with new shock absorbers. The compact sports car is also expected to feature a fresh new look, although official images are not yet available.
We also get other figures regarding the next-gen GR86. We know the car will weigh 2,866 pounds, about the same as the current model (2,811-2,868 pounds). We also get dimensions - 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) length, 1,800 mm (70.86 inches) width, and 1,300 mm (51.2 inches) height - slightly longer and wider, but lower than the current generation. The new model's wheelbase will be about an inch longer, at 2,600 mm (102.36 inches).
What engine will be powering the 2028 Toyota GR86?
The Japanese scoop talks about a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that will reportedly make around 220 horsepower and 159 pound-feet. A six-speed manual will be available, but there will also be an eight-speed automatic. The GR86 will continue to be rear-wheel-drive.
Judging by the engine output, we are talking about a normally-aspirated unit. The mild-hybrid will likely add a few more ponies with a lot more torque, but knowing how mild hybrids work, I doubt it will contribute to the total system output, unless it is a more potent electric motor, as seen on the J250 Land Cruiser.
An unlikely, but plausible powertrain option
We know Mazda will have some involvement in the GR86 redesign. Toyota and Mazda are already sharing platforms and powertrains, and with the next-gen Miata said to have a larger Skyactiv-Z engine, I can’t help but wonder, what if the 2028 GR86 shares an engine with the “NE” Miata? The Miata was also rumored to be a mild-hybrid; more and more similarities between the two models pop up. Whether Toyota will end up using a Mazda engine remains to be seen.
Toyota has already shown it can make high-performance hybrid powertrains, with cars like the GR GT. The Celica will also feature a hybrid setup, but not for homologation purposes as we originally thought. For 2027, the WRC regulations forego hybrid powertrains, so Toyota's move to a hybrid Celica is likely due to emissions regulations. Perhaps, the only non-hybrid Toyota sports car will be the mid-engine MR-2.
Related stories:
- New Partnership Between Toyota, Mazda, And Subaru Ensures Exciting New Engines Are Coming
- Toyota And Subaru's Compact Truck Is A Money-Printing Formula, And It Will Likely Arrive In The US
- Miata Owner Is Hesitant About Switching To a Subaru BRZ Due To Potential Engine Failure And RTV Issues, But Are The Fears Well-Founded?
Image source: 2026 Toyota GR86
About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experiences in the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Experience
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Present: Insurance Advisor - ANG Univers and Generali Insurance Group
- 2016-2016: Car salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Present: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, test driver
Education
- Bachelor's degree in International Economic Relations
- Master's degree in Marketing
- Master's degree in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov has been quoted in the following publications:
- SM Breadvan – The Fastest Road Car in the 1970s
- 1968 Corvette S/C Is a One-Off Home-Built 650 HP Masterpiece
Set Torque News as Preferred Source on Google
Follow us today...
