Subaru thrilling BRZ sports coupe may soon make a comeback in Europe—this time with an electrified powertrain. If approved, it would be the first time the Subaru BRZ returns to markets outside North America and Japan since the first generation ended production in July 2020.
While the second generation of the BRZ and its twin, the Toyota GR86, debuted in 2012 as part of a joint development effort between Subaru and Toyota, Europe’s tightening emissions regulations largely kept the BRZ out of the region and limited GR86 availability. However, a recent report from Autocar suggests that Subaru is now considering an electrified third-generation coupe as it aims to grow its EV presence in Europe.
How the Decision Could Unfold
An electrified BRZ would expand Subaru’s growing EV lineup in Europe, joining the recently launched Uncharted, the refreshed Solterra, and the rebranded E-Outback. These models are central to the brand’s strategy for navigating the stringent Euro 7 emissions standards. However, any official green light for a new BRZ remains uncertain and is likely contingent on the market performance of the all-new Uncharted SUV, which plays a pivotal role in Subaru’s electrification roadmap.
In a conversation with Autocar, Subaru’s head of EV product planning, Inoue Masahiko, emphasized that the timing of an electrified BRZ would need to be carefully evaluated. While initial demand for the GR86 and BRZ exceeded expectations at launch, consumer interest declined sharply not long after, adding complexity to the decision-making process.
“We did explore the idea of electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but maintaining a mutually beneficial partnership is more important. Right now, we can’t achieve the kind of gains that would make it worthwhile for both companies.”
– Inoue Masahiko, Subaru EV product manager speaking with Autocar
Plans to launch a limited-edition run of the second-generation BRZ in Europe to test customer demand were also dismissed, as it’s not considered a viable short-term investment. It appears that Subaru’s thrilling sports coupe may face an uphill battle when it comes to making a comeback on European roads.
Hybrid or Fully Electric: What to Expect from a New BRZ
If an electrified BRZ receives the green light, it’s likely that the current 2.4-liter Toyota four-cylinder engine will be replaced by a fully electric powertrain, given the limited options for hybrid packaging. This shift could raise concerns among enthusiasts, as the original rear-wheel-drive BRZ/GR86 was celebrated for its lightweight, agile handling—a key advantage over competitors like the now-discontinued Nissan 370Z and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Interestingly, despite earlier hints from Toyota’s chairman suggesting otherwise, the upcoming next-generation GR Supra is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain. This move reflects Toyota’s strong confidence in its emissions-friendly technology—potentially including advanced options like liquid hydrogen.
Interestingly, Subaru has previously hinted at surprising moves in its lineup. Just last week, Masahiko indicated that the brand might re-enter the subcompact segment with an electric vehicle, positioning it as a rival to the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2—drawing inspiration from the success of the revived Renault 5.
