Reports coming from Toyota’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada suggest that the future of the 86’s twin – the Subaru BRZ isunder inspection. This coming out of an interview Drive magazine Australia conducted with the 86’s chief engineer.

Questions were raised as to the Subaru BRZ and its future as Toyota intends to expand its involvement with BMW as the pair look to build a sportscar together. The cooperative car would vie for market share in a higher segment than the 86 currently does.

Subaru Boxer to be dropped?

Then there’s the news that Tada may be looking to drop the boxer style engine for an in-line, more powerful motor in the current 86. “This is also something we are studying. The trend of powertrains is of course downsizing and turbo charging, but my opinion is to retain natural aspiration in the future” said Tada.

Toyota currently owns 20% of Subaru’s parent company – Fuji Heavy Industries so whether the drop would be in its best interest is another matter to take into consideration.

Le Mans Tech for 86 facelift

Tada also hinted that the upcoming facelifted 86 due in 2015 could use hybrid tech sourced from its Le Mans car the TS040Hybrid. “Maybe next generation 86 must have some kind of eco technology like racing hybrid,” he said. “We raced at Le Mans with this and that is the reason why we challenge ourselves with this technology.”