Toyota GR86 & Subaru BRZ (Gen 2)
2022+ USDM Reference • ZN8 / ZC8 Rear-Wheel Drive Platform
Toyota ZN8 / Subaru ZC8
Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Torsen Limited-Slip Differential
6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic
Subaru Gunma Plant Production
Overview
The second-generation Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ represent a major evolutionary leap for the collaborative front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car platform. Arriving for the 2022 U.S. model year, the updated platform addresses the primary criticism of its predecessor by introducing a larger 2.4-liter engine that eliminates the notorious mid-range torque dip. The chassis sees significant structural rigidity upgrades while maintaining a highly praised, low-weight analog driving experience.
Core Specifications
| Model Names | Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ (Generation 2) |
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| Model Years | 2022–Present |
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| Market | USDM |
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| Vehicle Type | 2+2 sports coupe |
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| Chassis Code | ZN8 (Toyota) / ZC8 (Subaru) |
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| Assembly Location | Gunma, Japan (Subaru Main Plant) |
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| Layout | Front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive |
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| Curb Weight | 2,811 lbs (Base Manual) / 2,868 lbs (Base Automatic) |
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| Weight Distribution | 53% Front / 47% Rear |
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Engine & Powertrain
| Engine Type | Subaru FA24D (Horizontally opposed “Boxer” 4-cylinder) |
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| Displacement | 2.4 liters (2,387 cc) |
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| Bore & Stroke | 94.0 mm x 86.0 mm |
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| Compression Ratio | 12.5:1 |
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| Fuel Induction | Toyota D-4S system (Combined direct and port fuel injection) |
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| Peak Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7,000 RPM |
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| Peak Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3,700 RPM |
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| Redline | 7,400 RPM |
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| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded (91+ octane required, 93 optimized) |
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Drivetrain & Performance
| Manual Transmission | 6-speed close-ratio manual (Toyota/Aisin TL70 base evolution) |
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| Automatic Transmission | 6-speed torque-converter automatic with paddle shifters |
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| Final Drive Ratio | 4.10:1 (Manual and Automatic) |
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| Rear Differential | Torsen® torque-sensing limited-slip differential |
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| 0-60 mph Acceleration | Approx. 5.4 seconds (Manual) / 6.1 seconds (Automatic) |
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| Stability Control | Track Mode setting with reduced intervention; fully defeatable systems |
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Unlike the first generation, which suffered a distinct torque valley between 4,000 and 4,800 RPM, the 2.4-liter FA24 delivers a linear power band and reaches its 184 lb-ft torque peak much earlier at 3,700 RPM.
Model-Year Context
2022
- Official launch of the completely redesigned second-generation platform in the United States.
- Introduction of the “GR” (Gazoo Racing) prefix for the Toyota variant.
2023
- Toyota releases the GR86 Special Edition featuring an exclusive Solar Shift orange paint scheme and a cat-back exhaust system.
2024
- Subaru introduces the performance-oriented BRZ tS trim featuring Brembo brakes and Hitachi Astemo sensitive frequency response dampers.
- Toyota launches the GR86 Trueno Edition with retro graphics and upgraded Sachs dampers/Brembo brake package.
- Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance tech becomes standard equipment on all manual transmission models.
Trims & Configurations
| Base (GR86 / BRZ Premium) | Standard trim level with 17-inch wheels and Michelin Primacy HP slide-biased tires. |
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| Premium (GR86 / BRZ Limited) | Upgraded trim level adding 18-inch matte gray/black wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 high-performance tires, and duckbill spoiler (GR86). |
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| Special Editions (Trueno / tS) | Track-focused packages adding specialized damper systems and high-thermal-capacity Brembo braking hardware. |
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Factory Colors
Halo White / Crystal Pearl
Pavement / Magnetite Gray
Color naming conventions vary between Toyota and Subaru dealerships despite sharing the exact paint codes (e.g., Toyota’s “Halo White” is identical to Subaru’s “Crystal White Pearl”).
Dimensions & Chassis
| Wheelbase | 101.4 in |
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| Overall Length | 167.9 in |
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| Width | 69.9 in |
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| Height | 51.6 in |
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| Front Track Width | 59.8 in |
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| Rear Track Width | 61.0 in |
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| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
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| Rear Suspension | Double wishbone with stabilizer bar |
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| Chassis Tuning Note | Toyota features aluminum front knuckles and a solid front sway bar; Subaru uses iron knuckles and a hollow front sway bar for distinct steering characteristics. |
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Design & Engineering Notes
Engineering focus for the second generation centered heavily on structural rigidity without increasing mass. The chassis utilizes functional side rocker vents, front fender air outlets, and an aluminum roof panel, front fenders, and hood to maintain an ultra-low center of gravity. Total torsional rigidity was improved by roughly 50% over the first-generation platform.
Why It Matters
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by heavy, complex turbo-hybrids and heavy crossovers, the GR86 and BRZ platform stands out as a pure purist preserve. It remains one of the last lightweight, analog, naturally aspirated rear-wheel drive sports cars left on the global market, offering raw feedback and mechanical honesty at an accessible price ceiling.