Project 86: The Story of Toyota and Subaru's Collaborative Masterpiece

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In the automotive world, collaborative ventures often shape the landscape of innovation. Few such projects, however, have captured the imagination of enthusiasts like Project 86—the joint venture between Toyota and Subaru that gave birth to the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ. A testament to what strategic partnerships can achieve, Project 86 is a model for how two companies with distinct philosophies can come together to create something truly special.

The Origins: A Vision for a Driver's Car

The seeds of Project 86 were sown in 2008, when Toyota acquired a 16.5% stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru's parent company. This investment was not merely financial; it laid the groundwork for a deep technological and creative partnership. Both companies shared a vision of reviving the spirit of the affordable sports car—a segment that had been largely overshadowed by SUVs and performance sedans.

For Toyota, the project represented an opportunity to honor the legacy of the AE86, a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe that became an icon for driving purists. For Subaru, the venture was a chance to showcase its engineering expertise beyond the realm of all-wheel-drive vehicles, exploring the potential of its hallmark boxer engine in a rear-wheel-drive setup.

Design and Development: Marrying Form and Function

The design process for Project 86 was an intricate dance of collaboration and compromise. Toyota, known for its bold design language, focused on creating a car that was visually dynamic and aerodynamically efficient. Subaru, with its engineering prowess, took charge of developing the powertrain and chassis.

The centerpiece of the collaboration was Subaru's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-four boxer engine. Its low center of gravity was ideal for a sports car, aligning perfectly with Toyota's vision of a balanced, rear-wheel-drive layout. This was a significant departure for Subaru, whose engineering focus had historically been on symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems.

Toyota’s Chief Engineer, Tetsuya Tada, ensured that the car adhered to a philosophy of simplicity and purity. The emphasis was on delivering a car that prioritized driving engagement over sheer power. The result was a lightweight, 2+2 coupe that boasted a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, razor-sharp handling, and a direct connection between the driver and the road.

Key milestones in the development process included:

  • Low Center of Gravity: The engine was mounted as low as possible to enhance stability and cornering.
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout: A rarity in this price segment, it ensured a classic sports car driving experience.
  • Collaborative Testing: Both Toyota and Subaru engineers tested the prototypes extensively, refining every detail from suspension tuning to aerodynamics.

Production: A Shared Effort

Production for the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ began in 2012 at Subaru’s Gunma assembly plant in Japan. While the cars shared a nearly identical chassis and mechanical setup, subtle differences were introduced to reflect their respective brands. For instance, the Toyota 86, also marketed as the GT86 in Europe and Scion FR-S in the U.S., emphasized sharp handling and sporty aesthetics, while the Subaru BRZ leaned slightly more towards comfort and refinement.

Marketing strategies also differed. Toyota highlighted the car's connection to the AE86 heritage, appealing to enthusiasts and young drivers. Subaru, on the other hand, positioned the BRZ as an everyday sports car with the reliability and build quality Subaru fans had come to expect.

Reception: Winning Hearts and Awards

The reception to the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ was overwhelmingly positive. Enthusiasts praised the cars for their engaging driving dynamics, affordability, and the rarity of their rear-wheel-drive configuration in a market dominated by front-wheel-drive vehicles.

Critics and customers alike highlighted several standout features:

  • Precision Handling: Thanks to its lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive setup, the car offered exceptional agility.
  • Driver-Centric Interior: Minimalistic and functional, the cockpit was designed to keep the driver focused on the road.
  • Affordability: Unlike many sports cars, the 86 and BRZ were accessible to a wide range of buyers.

The cars won numerous awards, including multiple "Car of the Year" titles, and became staples in the garages of track-day enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike.

Evolution: The Second Generation

Building on the success of the first-generation models, Toyota and Subaru unveiled the second-generation Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ in 2021. These models retained the spirit of their predecessors while addressing areas for improvement.

Major updates included:

  • Increased Power: The 2.4-liter flat-four engine replaced the original 2.0-liter unit, boosting horsepower and torque.
  • Enhanced Chassis Rigidity: Improved structural stiffness contributed to even sharper handling.
  • Refined Interior: Modernized infotainment systems and higher-quality materials brought the cabin up to contemporary standards.

The second-generation models have continued the legacy of Project 86, reaffirming Toyota and Subaru's commitment to delivering pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.

The Broader Impact: A Legacy Beyond Sales

While the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ may not have been sales juggernauts, their cultural and industry impact is undeniable. The collaboration demonstrated that automakers could still prioritize driving enjoyment in an era dominated by efficiency and practicality.

Project 86 also inspired other manufacturers to revisit the affordable sports car segment, contributing to a renaissance of enthusiast-focused vehicles. Cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Nissan Z have benefited from the resurgence of interest sparked by the 86/BRZ.

Future Prospects: Collaboration as a Blueprint

The success of Project 86 has encouraged Toyota and Subaru to explore further joint ventures. With the automotive industry shifting towards electrification, the companies have already announced plans to co-develop electric vehicles. The lessons learned from Project 86—balancing innovation with tradition, and collaboration with individual identity—will undoubtedly guide these future projects.

Conclusion

Project 86 is a shining example of what can be achieved when two automotive giants pool their resources and expertise. The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are more than just cars—they are symbols of passion, ingenuity, and the enduring appeal of driving for the sake of driving. As the automotive world evolves, Project 86 will remain a benchmark for collaborative success, a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is together.

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