When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda requested his engineers to develop a new affordable, exciting sports car, his team introduced the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S and answered Toyoda's requisites in spades.
However, it would be a shame if the rejuvenation of Toyota's sporting DNA were to end there. Thankfully, Toyoda-san has grander plans. Beyond the Toyota GT86 / Scion FR-S, the Japanese automaker plans to unveil two additional sport models for its future lineup.
While speaking with Top Gear Philippines, Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada said, "The first is more mass market and cheaper than the 86 and the third is more upmarket than the 86."
As bare bones as the GT86 already is, it's impressive to see Toyota deliver performance at an even more budget-minded segment. Following up on Tada's statement, Top Gear Philippines also asked whether a sports car slotting above the GT86 suggests a Toyota Supra revival. To that, Tada refused to confirm any speculations.
Performance specs have not been revealed either but judging from existing segments, a sports car slotting below the GT86 will likely use a more cost effective front-wheel-drive drivetrain. While the hot-hatch segment is highly contested, Toyota certainly has the resources to properly challenge the segment leaders including Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus ST, and Mazdaspeed3. Given the aging Toyota Corolla compact sedan is expected to receive a complete redesign very soon, we look forward to seeing what Toyota unveils in the months ahead. Another possibility is a Celica revival, although this may cause a saturation in two-door coupes for the Toyota lineup.
Tada may deny the development of a new Supra, but until we have more information, this seems to be the most logical hunch. The upmarket sports car is expected to face off against the like of the Nissan Z and the Ford Mustang.
