Collaborative Engineering: Why Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and Scion FRS Look Almost the Same

The Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and Scion FRS (now known as Toyota 86) share a striking resemblance, a result of a strategic collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. This partnership aimed to create a lightweight, affordable, and sporty rear-wheel-drive coupe.

Joint Development and Collaboration

The development of these models was a collaborative effort between Toyota and Subaru. They worked together to create a platform and engineering that would allow both brands to share development costs and leverage each other's strengths. This collaboration is the backbone of their shared design and performance characteristics.

Platform Sharing and Engineering

All three models are built on the same platform, known as the Toyota 86 platform. This common platform contributes significantly to their similar dimensions, weight distribution, and handling characteristics. Here's a closer look at how this shared platform influences their design and engineering:

Shared dimensions and weight distribution: The cars are designed to have comparable dimensions, ensuring consistent performance and aesthetics. Consistent handling characteristics: The similar setup results in a shared handling experience, making the driving dynamics familiar and enjoyable. Cost-effectiveness: By sharing the platform, both Toyota and Subaru could reduce development costs and produce a compelling sports car at an affordable price.

Design Philosophy and Brand Identity

While each vehicle carries its own brand identity, the overall aesthetic is very similar due to shared design goals. Here are the key points on how design philosophy and brand identity play a role:

Design Philosophy

The cars were designed to evoke a sporty and aggressive look, yet maintain practicality. Each brand has its own unique styling cues, but the shared platform led to a cohesive design language.

Brand Identity

Each vehicle reflects the brand identity of Subaru and Toyota, but these differences are subtle. This subtle branding allows each car to stand out while maintaining a family resemblance:

Subaru: Emphasizes ruggedness and prowess, often seen in the dynamic engineered styling and performance-oriented features. Toyota: Focuses on sleekness and reliability, with a design that is both sporty and practical. Scion: Known for its edginess and youthful appeal, Scion FRS adds a modern twist while sharing the same underlying design principles.

Mechanical Similarities

The choice of engine and drivetrain further accentuates the similarity between these vehicles. The following key points highlight their mechanical similarities:

Engine and Drivetrain

All three models utilize the same 2.0-liter flat-four engine sourced from Subaru. This engine is known for its compactness, balance, and tuning versatility. Additionally, the rear-wheel-drive layout ensures a traditional and engaging driving experience.

Suspension and Components

Many suspension components are shared, resulting in similar driving dynamics and ride quality. This commonality in chassis setup leads to a consistent driving experience across all models, regardless of the brand:

High-performance dampers and suspension settings: Each car can be fine-tuned to suit different driving styles and preferences. Efficient use of space: The common components allow for a more compact design, improving performance and handling.

Market Strategy

The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru allowed both brands to target a niche market of enthusiasts. Here's how their market strategy reflects their partnership:

Target Audience

By offering the same base vehicle under different brands, both companies could attract a wider customer base. The unique branding and marketing strategies of each brand allowed them to capture different segments within this niche market:

Brand Loyalty

Each brand could leverage its existing customer loyalty, providing a unique experience through branding and marketing. While the core technology and design are shared, the individual brand identities ensure a distinct customer experience:

Subaru: Appeal to enthusiasts looking for a rugged and powerful driving experience. Toyota: Attract a broader audience with a focus on reliability and value. Scion: Cater to younger buyers with a modern and edgy design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and Scion FRS are a testament to strategic collaboration between two automotive giants. This partnership allowed them to introduce a compelling sports coupe to the market while maintaining their individual brand identities. The shared design, engineering, and performance characteristics highlight the power of collaboration in automotive engineering.