Subaru News: Rumorpile: Subaru BRZ A One Hit Wonder?

[William Maley]

Toyota and Subaru's partnership on the GT 86/Scion FR-S/BRZ is well known, but it could be a one time thing. Toyota has turned to BMW for help on a new flagship sports car, rumored to be a spiritual successor to the Supra. Because of this, the speculation has been flowing of whether this partnership could expand to other sports cars.

Drive.com.au had the chance to speak with Tetsuya Tada, the chief engineer for the GT 86 family. Tada said the next-generation GT 86 could be part of the BMW partnership. However when asked if Subaru will be a part of this, Tada said "Maybe, but this is not decided at the moment."

When asked if BMW could take the place of Subaru in the partnership, Tada said "That is one possibility."

Source: Drive.com.au

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[G. David Felt]

Very interesting, I wonder with Tesla sharing their Electric Technology how many will end up moving in that direction to make a 200 Mile range BRZ?

[A Horse With No Name]

Part of the problem with the BRZ as it was sold as the second coming of Christ to everyone.....once people realized that it was just an automobile, part of the enthusiasm died.

 

Also....New Mustang Ecoboost 4 cyl.   MUCH nicer car for anyone concerned about using the car in the real world vs. just as a track/autocross car.

 

It is really hard to beat domestics when it comes to trucks, SUV's, family sedans, and coupes.  Esp. Coupes.  I mean....what import coupe is as nice as the new Camaro?

[Drew Dowdell]

The BR-Z, as nice as it is, just doesn't fit the Subaru image.

[G. David Felt]

The BR-Z, as nice as it is, just doesn't fit the Subaru image.

Could it be a new focus for Subaru if it was a Tesla powered style auto? Or would it need to be AWD with a tesla powered powertrain and then be a fit?

[Drew Dowdell]

Subaru is all about being outdoorsy, earth conscious, and apparently, hiking.  Not sure how a RWD sports car with limited seating and storage, even an all electric one, fits into that niche.

[FAPTurbo]

SUBARUUUU IMPOSSIBRUUU

[smk4565]

The BRZ could easily be a 1 and done, because Toyota doesn't really need Subaru, especially if they plan to partner up with BMW.  I'd rather partner with BMW if I were building a RWD sports car than Subaru who is famous for AWD Outback wagons.  They could evolve this platform for a new GT86 and a future 2-series, or jointly develop something.  Same can be said with the 3-series chassis and a Supra.  Although Toyota could just build a coupe on a Lexus platform and drop a twin turbo V6 in there and make a Supra.  It must be a cost savings thing, rather than Toyota and BMW each making 2-3 different rear drive platforms, they probably figure they can design 3 total and just build their own cars on it.

[A Horse With No Name]

Toyota really does not need BMW for this. They do however need to add some spice to the line up. Scion TC is the last sports car they did, and the current one is god awful.