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Toyota and Subaru are upping the ante with their entry-level sports cars. Each manufacturer has debuted an all-new performance variant: the GR86 Trueno and BRZ tS.
News just broke regarding the arrival of the new BRZ tS that brings some STI juice to Subaru’s rear-wheel drive enthusiast car. While Subaru lovers rejoice, Toyota fans are crying their own cheers in anticipation of the retro-themed GR86 Trueno. The 80s homage offers a flashy appearance package and upgraded performance.
Both packages appear to cater to track-loving enthusiasts with upgraded suspension components, brakes, and tires. But while the GR86 and BRZ have always been near-identical twins, these two variants have some noteworthy differences to consider.
How Are The BRZ tS and GR86 Trueno Different?
The Toyota GR86 (formerly Scion FR-S) and Subaru BRZ are famously similar. From a naturally-aspirated Subaru Boxer engine to a rear-wheel drive architecture, the two sports cars have been nearly identical for a decade — even through a top-down redesign. The introduction of new performance variants, however, draws a clearer line between the pair.
Subaru equips the new BRZ tS with a couple of visual cues to set it apart. Standard 18-inch gray wheels and tS badging differentiate the model from other BRZ examples. It’s a subtle, yet, notable difference.
The more dramatic departure is the new Toyota GR86 Trueno. Toyota designed the Trueno package as a tribute to the original Corolla AE86 Trueno — a sporty 1980s coupe that has grown into a cult classic among the tuner and drift communities.
The new GR86 Trueno uses a black hood on a white body, black accent pieces, and black side decals. It all points to its 80s predecessor.
Each model also gets its own distinct interior package from other trims.
The new GR86 Trueno offers a black interior with sporty red accents. A mix of Alcantara and soft leather upholstery adds a premium edge to the otherwise enthusiast-centered cabin design. Meanwhile, the BRZ tS offers a similar interior package. This time, however, Subaru uses blue accent stitching. Both models have automatic climate control, push-button start, and infotainment displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance Upgrades: Subaru STI Suspension Meets Gazoo Racing Handling Package
While the BRZ tS and GR86 Trueno share a powertrain and some similar looks, there are some mechanical differences at play too.
Toyota and Subaru have each upgraded their respective new models with all-new suspension setups that reportedly improve handling. Many already consider the GR86 and BRZ to offer among the best handling in the industry. Sharpening each model’s suspension system even further is sure to entice track-loving auto enthusiasts. Yet the two systems are far from identical.
The BRZ tS receives a suspension setup tuned by STI, Subaru’s famous performance division. Standard Hitachi dampers sit at the front and rear to help improve stability and control, while Brembo brakes improve stopping capability. To top it off, Subaru equips the BRZ tS with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. It comes together to make a substantial upgrade over the base handling package.
Meanwhile, the GR86 Trueno is more than just an ode to Toyota sports cars of decades past. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance division equips each GR86 Trueno with a new “Performance Package” consisting of ZF SACHS Dampers, Brembo brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. According to Toyota, the Performance Package will be available as an option for all 2024 GR86 models or as a retrofit for 2022 and 2023 models.
Both Subaru and Toyota claim that these handling upgrades will meaningfully impact overall handling for each model. It’s difficult to say how substantial that impact will be without seat time, but it’s safe to assume that the upgraded dampers might firm up the ride quality of both the GR86 Trueno and BRZ tS. It’s a change that may diminish on-road comfort but enhance track balance and performance.
The two packages are pretty even, each offering Brembo Brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Deciphering the true winner will depend on the differences between their respective damper setups. Even then, it all hinges on the personal preferences of the individual driver.
Limited Production Numbers Make GR86 Trueno A Future Collectible
The GR86 Trueno may be an enticing package for auto enthusiasts, but they’ll have to act fast to get a hold of examples. Toyota says it will cap production of the limited-edition sports car to less than 1,000.
Specifically, the brand has stated that only 860 GR86 Trueno models will be available. As a result, Trueno models will likely fetch larger asking prices at dealerships and hold their value well on the used market. Between its reduced supply and the inevitable high demand for a car that’s designed around nostalgia, it’s safe to assume that the GR86 Trueno is positioned to be a true collector item.
As quick and capable as the GR86 Trueno may be, its collector status may keep owners from taking it out on track. Hard driving miles and the potential for collisions are enough to spook anyone concerned about long-term resale value, after all. Lesser trims with the upgraded Performance Package are more likely candidates for track day outings.
A Track Car For All: BRZ tS Has No Production Cap
Unlike its sibling, the BRZ tS isn’t a special edition with a production cap. It’s simply a sportier version of the BRZ.
This all but guarantees that Subaru will produce more BRZ tS examples than Toyota will GR86 Truenos. As long as folks want to buy it, Subaru will happily produce more examples to sell.
As a result, the BRZ tS is less likely to end up a cherished collector item. Owners can breathe a bit easier when they take their Subarus out for track outings or spirited canyon drives. It’s a focused performance car that drivers can use for its true purpose: actually driving.
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 have always been linked at the hip. The pair share a platform, interior pieces, and even an engine. But as we move past the decade mark of the duo’s existence, each has grown into its own distinctive skin.
On one hand, the GR86 Trueno is a handsome homage to an 80s icon with serious performance to back it up. But while it may have the chops to be a track monster, its relative rarity as a limited edition means owners will probably want to keep it for Sunday cruising and car meets. Most track drivers will be better off getting a normal GR86 with the Performance Package upgrade.
On the other hand, the BRZ tS appears to be a focused track tool. It has the right features, performance, and appearance to impress in true performance tests while offering the creature comforts of the Limited trim.
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