Next Toyota GR86 Rumored to Be a Miata… But Roomier

Since its debut, the Toyota GR86 has been developed in partnership with Subaru, sharing its mechanics with the Subaru BRZ and being manufactured at Subaru’s Gunma plant in Japan. However, a recent rumor from Japan suggests that this collaboration might be coming to an end. If true, Toyota could shift gears, partnering with Mazda instead and building the next GR86 on the MX-5 Miata platform.

Next Toyota GR86 Rumored to Share a Platform with the MX-5 Miata

The rumor comes from Best Car in Japan, though it should be approached cautiously. In a teaser for its October 26 issue, the outlet reported that Toyota and Mazda are allegedly collaborating on the next-generation Toyota GR86 and Mazda Roadster models. According to the article:

Rumors have been circulating for a while that Toyota and Mazda are teaming up to develop new sports cars. The models reportedly in the works are the next-generation GR86 and Mazda Roadster. While the GR86 was previously developed alongside Subaru from its first to second generation, enthusiasts are eager to see how the car evolves under this new collaboration with Mazda.

Forbes offers additional context on Best Car’s report, which goes beyond earlier rumors of Mazda assisting Toyota in development. According to the report, both cars would be built on a revised version of the Mazda MX-5’s current platform. This updated platform could accommodate multiple layouts: the MX-5 would remain a two-seater, while the Toyota GR86 would likely become a tight 2+2 coupe. Both models are expected to deliver around 200 horsepower, each with distinct powertrains. Toyota’s version would feature a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter hybrid, while Mazda’s could also adopt hybrid technology. Production for both vehicles would be handled by Mazda.

On paper, this hypothetical partnership makes a lot of sense. Toyota already has a strategic alliance with Mazda, including a 5% equity stake and a joint production facility in North America. Co-developing the GR86 and MX-5 could help both low-volume sports cars remain viable by lowering R&D and production costs. For Toyota, this makes the Toyota GR86 more sustainable within its lineup, while the additional revenue from producing the GR86 would help Mazda justify investing in a new MX-5. A collaboration with Mazda could be an attractive alternative if Subaru decides to discontinue the BRZ, which is currently its lowest-selling model.

Toyota Could Also Develop a Sports Car Independently

While Toyota is expected to partner with Mazda on the GR86, the company isn’t ruling out the possibility of developing a sports car in-house. Australian outlet Drive spoke with Sean Hanley, Toyota’s head of sales and marketing in Australia, who confirmed that building a sports car independently is on the table. When asked whether Toyota could create its own sports car without relying on partners, Hanley’s answer was a resounding “yes.” According to Drive:

“But to answer your question, ‘can I ever see a day where we do our own independent, standalone Toyota Gazoo Racing sports performance car?’ Yes, yes, and yes. You’ll have to wait and see.”

Hanley didn’t confirm any specific upcoming vehicles, but he also didn’t dismiss the possibility of a Toyota-built Supra revival. “There’s no plan, but the reality is that the Supra has an incredibly strong legacy,” Hanley said. “You never say never.”