Are Toyota and Mazda working on the next-gen GR86, MX-5?

Next-generation Toyota GR86, Mazda MX-5 will reportedly be platform siblings

When Toyota first came up with the all-new 86, they collaborated with Subaru to make the two-door sports coupe a reality. When they decided to bring back the Supra nameplate, they worked alongside BMW to make the fifth-generation nameplate based on the current Z4.

While some say the 86 (and GR86) and the all-new Supra are not wholly-developed vehicles by Toyota, you still have to hand it to the Japanese automaker for making both models a reality by collaborating with other automakers.

Now, new reports are emerging that Toyota and Mazda will work on the next-generation GR86 and MX-5. This comes as a surprise since this will effectively leave Subaru out of the partnership. However, this is not the first time Toyota and Mazda have collaborated, as the two automakers struck a partnership back in 2015, which resulted in a capital alliance with cross-shareholding, as well as supplying each other with vehicles.

Back to the matter at hand, the supposed collaboration between Toyota and Mazda will reportedly ensure that both the MX-5 and GR86 will continue production in the years to come. Based on the latest reports, several chief engineers from Mazda have already been sent to Toyota City to work on the development of the all-new GR86 and MX-5, using the current ND3 MX-5 as a base. Moreover, Toyota has apparently drawn huge funds to revise the current platform to make it compatible with both RWD models.

But why the big investment by Toyota? Well, from Mazda's standpoint, the massive funds for R&D will translate to further improving (and updating) the MX-5 for the foreseeable future. In addition, Toyota has reportedly decided to let Mazda produce its next-generation GR86. That's right, production of the new models is expected to be carried out at Mazda's Hiroshima factory, which will receive retooling and upgrades in capacity expansion thanks to Toyota's investment.

As far as the platform is concerned, the all-new Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 will reportedly use a revised version of the ND platform of the roadster. But whereas the MX-5 will retain the two-seater layout, the platform for the GR86 will be modified and stretched to accommodate the 2+2 layout of the GR86. When it comes to engines, the GR86 will supposedly get a 2.0L hybrid that could produce upwards of 200 PS or more. On the other hand, the MX-5 might get an improved version of its 2.0L SkyActiv G engine.

In a previous report, however, Mazda plans to give the next-generation MX-5 a bigger 2.5L engine based on the SkyActiv Z architecture. While using a bigger inline-four may sound counterintuitive, Mazda's approach to “rightsizing” its engines for the MX-5 will result in retaining performance and fuel efficiency while still producing fewer carbon emissions.

With Toyota and Mazda reportedly working on the all-new GR86 and MX-5, we're curious just how far both automakers are already in the development of both vehicles. Moreover, what can we expect from both vehicles in terms of performance? All we know is, we're certainly excited about this development from Mazda and Toyota.

Source: Best Car via Forbes Magazine