Two of Japan’s most respected carmakers are about to reshape the affordable sports car market. According to reports from Japan’s Best Car, Toyota and Mazda are jointly developing the next generation of Mazda’s legendary MX-5 roadster and Toyota’s GR86 coupe. The move signals a major shift for Toyota, which had previously co-developed the GR86 with Subaru, and highlights the growing importance of collaboration in a shrinking sports car segment.
A Partnership Years in the Making
The seeds of this partnership were planted almost a decade ago. In 2015, Toyota and Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding to explore synergies, which matured into a capital alliance in 2017. Beyond supplying vehicles to each other, the two brands have worked together on electric vehicles and Software-Defined Vehicles. Now, with both firms led by motorsport-enthusiast executives, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and Mazda President Masahiro Moro, the partnership is extending to their most iconic performance models.
Engineers on the Move
Several of Mazda’s chief engineers have reportedly been dispatched to Toyota City to help shape the joint platform. Toyota, meanwhile, is investing heavily in reworking Mazda’s lightweight ND-generation MX-5 chassis, particularly the stripped-down 990S, which weighs just 990 kg. The revised architecture will underpin both the new MX-5 and the GR86, though Toyota’s version will stretch the wheelbase slightly to accommodate a 2+2 seating layout.
Powertrains: Same DNA, Different Hearts
While the cars will share underpinnings, they won’t share engines. Toyota is expected to equip the GR86 with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated hybrid four-cylinder producing over 200 horsepower. Mazda will stick with its proven 2.0-liter unit, possibly with hybrid assistance, also tuned to around 200 horsepower. This echoes the Mazda approach with the Fiat 124 Spider collaboration, where distinct engines gave each car a different personality despite being built on the same line.
Toyota’s Bet on Mazda’s Lightweight Philosophy
Toyota’s decision to abandon a Lexus IS-based platform in favor of Mazda’s design underscores the appeal of lightweight engineering. The MX-5 has always thrived on agility rather than raw power, a philosophy that Toyota now seems eager to adopt for the GR86. Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, which will build both cars, is expected to receive capacity upgrades and fresh investment from Toyota.
Keeping Sports Cars Alive
The sports car market has been in decline for years, with small volumes making solo development increasingly impractical. Partnerships have become the only viable path forward. Recent history, from the Toyota-BMW collaboration on the Supra and Z4, to Mazda and Fiat with the MX-5 and 124 Spider, proves the model works.
Looking Ahead to 2028
Production of the new MX-5 and GR86 is expected to begin in the lead-up to a mid-2028 launch. For enthusiasts, that means a future where two of the world’s most beloved entry-level sports cars not only survive but thrive, sharpened by shared expertise and investment.
The message is clear: collaboration, not competition, is what will keep the spirit of the affordable sports car alive.
