http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2015/next-86-could-share-mx-5-platform-51970
Sounds a little flimsy - based on a "source close to Toyota" and reports that Toyota is testing the MX-5 chassis (not surprising). Only actual quote from the "source" in the article:
“There is one possibility though,” said our insider. “If Toyota was to employ the MX-5’s chassis, it’d be on the next generation 86.”
Still, would be cool if Toyota made a coupe version of the MX-5. I'd be real happy if that happened.
If they do that, then either the Toyobaru or the Toyazda would become the bastard child, depending on which one is more successful...if the Toyobaru becomes the bastard child, then the enthusiast goodwill they've clawed back goes up in smoke and will be even harder to win back in the future. If the Toyazda becomes the bastard child, then the exact same thing will happen (since the ZN6 is still out of production after a short run) PLUS they'll lose money on their new model.
Seems like a bad idea.
The good thing is it sounds like they haven't given up on the Eight Six yet.
In reply to GameboyRMH:
Um...
What?
GameboyRMH wrote: If they do that, then either the Toyobaru or the Toyazda would become the bastard child, depending on which one is more successful...if the Toyobaru becomes the bastard child, then the enthusiast goodwill they've clawed back goes up in smoke and will be even harder to win back in the future. If the Toyazda becomes the bastard child, then the exact same thing will happen (since the ZN6 is still out of production after a short run) PLUS they'll lose money on their new model. Seems like a bad idea.
...Yeah I'm confused. But maybe that's just the humidity messing with my brain.
Let me put it this way: If Toyota & Subaru cease ZN6 production after a short time (I think this is the 3rd year of production now?) it will be a disaster for enthusiast owners and the companies that produce aftermarket parts for this car, two effects that feed into each other both ways. The ideal enthusiast car is something that is popular with enthusiasts and was produced in large numbers. This means the platform is a safe bet for the aftermarket which means more tuning options for enthusiasts. Rare cars are bad for enthusiasts because it means less junkyard parts and less aftermarket support.
If Toyota & Subaru turn a car that's on course to be a major enthusiast darling on par with the NA/NB Miata, GD Impreza or EG Civic into a rare car, all the enthusiasts and aftermarket companies who are invested in the car's future lose the bets they've placed on the car by buying one / designing and building parts for them. They will be mightily pissed at the companies responsible. This is guaranteed if they switch to an ND-based car.
The ND-based car could turn out to be a winner and mitigate some of that damage, or it could turn out to be a loser (maybe not for any technical reason, but simply because the enthusiasts & aftermarket who just got burned by buying the previous car don't want to fall for that again) and make things even worse.
In reply to GameboyRMH:
Why would Toyota care? They are interested in making money for them, not aftermarket sellers.
If a Mazda based Toyota is a better value to them for a 2 seat coupe, and they can sell it for more money- good for them.
Odds are, IF something like this happens, it won't be for another 2-3 years- so the current car will be 5-6 years old. Which means it's ripe for replacement. And it's pretty common that upgraded chassis means that parts can not be shared with older ones.
If the two cars are rare after 5-6 years of production, well....
Not sure why it's a disaster for owners. Not everyone puts stuff on their cars.
In other news:
http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/new-cars-spied-this-week-20150626-ghyava.html
A Fiat 124 Spider based on the ND Chassis? Oooh, tell me more!
Dear Toyota,
Put your V6 in it this time.
Don't know why but I could see it being initially put out under the Lexus badge as an up scale car that if successful is then released under Toyota.
In reply to dean1484: I don't like that idea. The FR-S/BRZ are in their own class which is part of why more people should buy it. People buying an IS-f or a RC coupe may not want a small performance car. Plus, an expensive driver's car isn't that special when you think about it.
I agree but it would let the current platform run its course while they work the kinks out then down scale the options to a Toyota level. Meanwhile you release a Lexus replacement with a new bigger more powerful car that is in keeping with how Lexus seems to evolve its cars. Think mx5 platform with Lexus up scale power. V8???
Or Toyota has plans to up scale the current brz to the Lexus line and needs a replacement.
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