2021 Subaru BRZ teased again ahead of November 19 reveal
The internet is rife with speculation the next generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 could have rear-wheel steering. So what's the truth?
Subaru has released another teaser for its next-generation BRZ coupe, which is due to be unveiled on November 19 (1am AEDT).
The video teaser (click here to watch it on Subaru's website) appears to show the left rear wheel at an angle, while the car was drifting on a racetrack.
This prompted internet forums to wonder whether the new Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins will be offered with rear-wheel steering.
However, the angle of the footage – plus the tendency for rear suspension to flex slightly in such an extreme driving scenario – may have led to the speculation.
CarAdvice understands the second-generation sports car will retain a similar rear suspension setup to the current model and is not likely to adopt steering for the rear axle.
Above: last week's teaser image of the new Subaru BRZ.
Given the new-generation car is expected to retain a variant of the outgoing model's platform (which dates back to 2012), it's unlikely rear-wheel steering will make the leap from high-end Porsches and Mercedes-AMGs to the affordable Subaru and Toyota twins.
The video reveals few new details about the new Subaru BRZ compared with previous teasers, though it does give us a look at its sculpted side skirts, front wheel-arch vents, and rumoured 18-inch alloy wheels.
Twin under the skin to the next-generation Toyota 86 – expected to be badged 'GR 86', bringing it under the wing of Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance division – the new BRZ is rumoured to be powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder horizontally-opposed 'boxer' engine borrowed from other Subaru models.
However, it remains unclear whether the engine will be turbocharged or naturally-aspirated.
Above: a prototype Subaru BRZ, captured testing on US roads earlier this year.
All speculation should be quelled on November 19, when the covers officially come off the 2021 Subaru BRZ. An Australian launch is expected in the second half of 2021.
MORE: 2021 Subaru BRZ teased and leaked
MORE: BRZ news and reviews
MORE: Everything Subaru