2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twin coupes and what better way to celebrate a decade of the twin FR coupes that rocked the street scene than discovering the evolution of the ToyoBaru twins.
Okay, so where should we start? Oh yes! The beginning, of course!
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ made their world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and then went on sale in the Spring of 2012 with the BRZ first in late March 2012 and then the 86 a month later. Under the hood, the 86 and the BRZ are powered by a 2.0L boxer-four D-4S engine that produces 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed AT or a 6-speed MT. Thanks to this engine powerplant, both of these coupes have a low center of gravity and because of that, they have accessible handling, the hallmark of the 86 and the BRZ, and because being JDM machines, speedo boys expressed endless creativities with these machines courtesy of aftermarket tuning potential.
In 2016, both the 86 and the BRZ received a minor change featuring a revised front, new interior, and a slight upgrade on its 2.0L flat-four engine, producing 7PS more than the pre-facelifted models. Not only that, both of these models now come with improved springs and dampers as well as increased spot welding points on the rear pillars, allowing for better steering response and ride comfort and with the optional Sachs dampers, the handling is slightly improved.
Fast forward to the year 2021, the Toyota GR 86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ have been unveiled. Running on the improved version of its signature platform, the new models have improved the suspension and chassis for improved cornering abilities as well as better traction. Under the hood, the flat-4 engine that contributed to the car's low center of gravity had its displacement up from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in an increased power output of 235PS and 250Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or auto.
And there you have it, a decade of 86 and BRZ well summed up for your nostalgic pleasure. Although I had a blast getting to know the evolution of the ToyoBaru twin coupes, there's something missing...Of course! Let's compare them and find out which of these twins is the alpha. This will be the showdown between Team 86 and Team BRZ. It's going to be out of this world.
Using the Streets of Willow Springs segment from California's Willow Springs International Raceway as the venue for the ideal turf war, it's time to find out which side is the best. Are you with Team 86 or Team BRZ? Let's roll the tape.
With two sides done their laps in the Streets of Willow Springs, here are the results;
86 - 1:31.562
BRZ - 1:31.874
86 F/L - 1:31.314
BRZ F/L STi Sport - 1:30.160
GR86 - 1:26.963
BRZ II - 1:27.360
It's a 2:1 split decision in favor of Team 86, meaning that despite being the same machines, it's no wonder why most speedo boys love to be with Team 86 rather than Team BRZ. What a shocker as such but anyway...
The 86 and BRZ are fruits of the wonderful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru and with their latest versions fit to take on the bold challenges of the Reiwa era, these two sides are gearing their brave faces on as they're ready to fight to the death in this ever-changing unstable world we live in. These cars may not live forever in the age of electrification but the 86 and the BRZ have created an impressive legacy that will be remembered forever for many generations to come.
Whether you're Team 86 or Team BRZ, in this unstable world, these machines are clear reminders that you, speedo boys, must fulfill their destinies until the true endgame comes sooner than later.
As always, enjoy these new machines in GT7!
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