Toyota Moving Forward with GT86 Hybrid Development

Almost since the day it went on sale, there has been rumors either ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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, SubaruSubaruJapan, 1953 > present34 models
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or both are developing a higher performance version of the GT86Toyota GT 86 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present14 versions
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. There have been rumors of a turbocharged version, larger displacement and hybrid version. While none of the versions have officially received a green light for production, Toyota’s manager of drivetrain engineering Koei Saga says that he expects a hybrid GT86 will be green lit for production soon.

"The development work is quite advanced now, so if the green light is given, we are ready to do it,” said Saga.

Saga said that the hybrid system for the car is ready, and it is based on Toyota’s current passenger car hybrid system. The modular system is previewed in the Yaris Hybrid-RToyota Yaris Hybrid-RJapan, 2013 > present concept that uses the same electric motors as the Yaris HybridToyota Yaris Hybrid SportJapan, 2012 > present2 photos
.

The hybrid system will obviously add weight, but Saga is optimistic. Toyota’s North American tuner TRD and European tuner TMG have both created lighter versions of the GT86 that could offset some of the hybrid’s weight.

"Yes - with a good layout design, we think that even if may be a bit heavier, it can be a fun car to drive,” he said.

Source: Autocar