Finally the Toyota 86 we've always wanted: 2025 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ expected to bring potent hybrid power and Yaris GR engine to smash Mazda MX-5 sports car - report

Toyota could be preparing a radical new version of its GR86 sports car.

Popular Japanese magazine Best Car, which is known for its well-placed sources in the Japanese auto industry, has detailed a wild and potent new GR86 due next year.

The current GR86 was launched in 2021 and is likely due for a facelift soon, but Best Car claimed this will break cover next year.

The report said it’ll be given a potent new powerplant, with the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine from the Yaris GR paired with the company’s hybrid technology.

It is claimed the new hybrid set-up will produce more than 220kW.

The GR86 is expected to grow in size to accommodate the new engine and electric motor.

Best Car’s digital render features a drastically redesigned front end with a three-tier lighting structure and prominent bar that runs the length of the bonnet.

The rear end has LED lighting running the length of back, a prominent rear spoiler and dual exhausts.

Rumours are swirling about a new sports car revolution taking over Japan with several reports claiming Toyota is preparing a new Celica and micro S-FR

The new Toyota Celica is expected to debut at next year’s Tokyo Auto Salon in January.

Toyota’s mini S-FR sports car is believed to be developed in partnership with Daihatsu and Suzuki and will spawn a new version of the Daihatsu Copen and Suzuki Cappuccino.

Toyota GR President Tomoya Takahashi recently told CarsGuide that collaboration between companies was essential for new sports cars to exist.

“The sports car market is shrinking in the future. We cannot maintain sports cars as one brand, Toyota,” said Takahashi.

“Collaboration between brands will increase in the future. We don’t know with whom we’re going to collaborate.”

Japanese carmakers went on the sports car offensive at the 2023 Tokyo motor show with multiple dream machines.

Mazda took the covers off the eye-popping Iconic SP concept. It is expected to be a range-extender hybrid that uses a rotary engine as a generator to power a battery that feeds two electric motors. It is believed Mazda is progressing towards the production phase.

Honda wowed with its Prelude hybrid sports car concept, and again all signs point to it making it into production in the future.

Toyota and Lexus got in on the act too with a pair of hot electric sports cars on display.