Will the Next Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86 Share a Platform? A Wild Rumor Claims It’s Happening

Automotive rumors fly across the Internet year-round, but let’s face it, many don’t hold water in the end. This latest one from Japan about Toyota and Mazda may contain some grains of truth, but we’re still taking it with a few grains of salt—because if true, the next-gen MX-5 Miata and GR86 sports cars will share a platform.

According to Japan’s Best Car, Toyota and Mazda are supposedly teaming up to co-develop the next versions of their respective compact rear-wheel-drive sports cars. This shift would mean a sports car breakup between Subaru and Toyota; it would also likely mean the end of boxer power in the GR86. Again, keep a good grip your salt shaker.

The report says that Toyota will end its partnership with Subaru for the next GR86, and instead partner with Mazda. Engineers from Mazda have allegedly been dispatched to Toyota City while Toyota is evidently working to stretch the MX-5 platform into a 2+2 layout for the third-gen GR86. The rumor says both cars will use Mazda’s 990S chassis, but with different engines. Production will supposedly be at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, with an on-sale target of 2028.

Setting aside our skepticism for a moment, let’s consider why this could make sense. First and foremost, Mazda and Toyota are already working together on some projects; for example, the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid leverages a Toyota powertrain. And obviously, both brands have partnered with other companies in the past for these specific models: Toyota co-developed the GR 86 with Subaru, which got the BRZ out of the deal, and Mazda used the Miata to create the Fiat 124 Spider (which, like this rumored deal, resulted in cars with different engines).

Both Toyota and Mazda have an interest in future hybrid technologies, and this partnership could lead to the very first electrified MX-5 and GR86. On the Subaru side of things, it wouldn’t be all that shocking to see the BRZ die after this generation; based on its current and known future offerings, the brand seemingly has little eagerness to compete in the performance market.

Would you prefer to see Mazda and Toyota join forces, as opposed to Subaru staying in the mix for the third-gen GR86? Let us know in the comments below.

You Might Also Like