After 86, Toyota and Subaru again play a big chess

Reports from the Japanese auto press suggest that Toyota and Subaru will work together again to launch a four-wheel drive version of the hatchback, aimed at the WRC. It is rumored to be a vehicle of a similar size to the Impreza and will launch in the third quarter of 2022.

Subaru is famous for horizontally opposed engines. In 2020, it was acquired by Toyota with a 20% shareholding ratio and became a controlling sub-brand. In 2020, the global sales volume of Subaru is 884,800. Indeed, the most popular Subaru model in the editor's opinion is the BRZ, and it holds its value so well that it would even like to buy one.

Back to Subaru's new China import, how does it change from the 2020 model? New as the subaru outback in domestic third paragraph from the subaru the SGP modular platform to build models, still positioning midsize SUV, using five layout, and the modelling of crossover is still the unique selling point, the irregular shape headlamps in the daytime running lights and LED taillights after modelling is very special, surrounded by a large number of black plastic body and roof rack is the same as the 2020 model.

Front and rear bumpers and side skirts cover a larger area, different colors of car paint and body accessories positioning of different configurations of models, outdoor special edition is also the most personalized style. In addition to subtle changes in appearance, the interior is more luxurious. Large areas of the car are covered with leather material. Nappa leather and waterproof fabric seats are wide and comfortable, and the rear row can be adjusted to tilt, and there is a wide trunk.

The center console is equipped with a new touch screen and loaded with the latest Starlink Interconnected Car System. The multi-functional steering wheel has a more technological and luxurious feeling. The new generation of Eyesight Driver Assist System has improved the performance of hitting the wall and made driving easier.

Although it still doesn't have the tough 2.4T engine of the North American version, the 2.5L horizontal opposite H engine has the biggest advantage of a low center of gravity, which gives the Subaru Our excellent ride stability and handling, plus minimal power loss when running.

Toyota teases a U.S. launch of a GR-branded hatchback in May 2020, but it won't be the GR Yaris. At the time, it's rumored to be the GR Corolla Sport, with the same 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder turbo engine as the GR Yaris.

However, when Toyota bought a 20 percent stake in Subaru in 2019, it said it would combine the strengths of the two companies to create a new all-wheel-drive model, a key clue to the two companies' joint development of a four-wheel-drive hatchback, according to Japanese auto media reports.

According to the report, Toyota and Subaru are developing a four-wheel-drive hatchback for the WRC series, which will be similar in size to the Impreza and will have Subaru's horizontally opposed engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive system.

However, the horizontal opposite engine is not a worry-saving engine. In addition to the complex structure, the gravity causes the oil flow to the bottom of the upper cylinder to be not fully lubricated, leading to the wear of the upper and lower parts of the cylinder body, and carbon deposition is easy to lead to the left and right jitter of cylinder pressure. In addition, the maintenance cost is not low.

Most of toyota 86 indonesia's recent performance models have been built in partnership, and with the relationship between Toyota and Subaru, it would not be difficult to launch a second joint model. As for the four-wheel-drive hatchback, foreign media have reported that it will be launched in the third quarter of 2022, and we may not have more complete information until closer to that time.