Toyota’s next generation GT86 could share its bones with the Mazda MX-5 Miata

By Miles Branman June 22, 2015

Shared technology is commonplace among automakers these days, but there are definitely some platforms that get a little more “use” than others. The new Mazda MX-5 Miata is quickly becoming one of them.

Motoring is reporting that Toyota is seriously considering using the Miata as the foundation for its next generation GT86 sports car. That of course means the little roadster would underpin the Scion FR-S, and likely the BRZ as well. Fiat will also use the new MX-5 as the platform for the Fiat 124 Spider. In total, Mazda’s iconic roadster would be the basis for five vehicles due out in the next couple years.

At this point, it’s uncertain whether Toyota would borrow the MX-5 chassis, especially considering it’s hard at work on its own rear-wheel drive platform that could service both the next generation GT86 and a smaller model. If Toyota does borrow from Mazda, the GT86 and FR-S would shrink in size and weight and, paired with a smaller displacement turbocharged motor, the new crop of Toyota-family sports cars would become strong rivals to the Miata.

Mazda would of course still have the differentiation of an ultra-light 2.0 liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, but it begs the question of whether the Japanese automaker would be shooting itself in the foot by providing such a well-praised foundation to a direct rival.

Either way, Toyota will downsize its next generation GT86 in order to improve the fun-to-drive factor and potency of its engine. Before the redesigned sports car comes to market, Toyota will introduces a facelifted GT86 and Scion FR-S in April of 2016 with 10 more horsepower, Sachs dampers, a reinforced rear suspension, and other chassis tweaks from Gazoo Racing.

While technology sharing among automakers fulfills the “two heads are better than one” philosophy, I wonder how far brands can proceed in co-developing new vehicles before it becomes a situation of “which shade of gray would you like?” for buyers.

Editors' Recommendations

Sony confirms that it’s creating a next-generation PS5 VR headset

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.