Toyota GR86 Rally adds AWD and Turbo! + Mazda Iconic SP Production Confirmed and More! Weekly Update

[@joskjj3625]

Love how toyota is still interested in making enthusiast cars. Keep it up Toyota

[@RamCruiserOverland]

Toyota got called a boring company for too long, and now they're making up for it.

[@ChavaYang]

The boring cars financed for the fun ones.

[@erikhanes9491]

Exciting, hope pricing is not too crazy , but we know it will be lol

[@whanos8471]

@@erikhanes9491 up the nether region as always 🤡

[@daivietnguyen7289]

@@RamCruiserOverland Amen !!! Save your hard earned money, people become the near future is going to be exciting indeed !!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Digiphex]

I've been saying the GR86 needs AWD and turbo for a long time but others always commented that it would "add weight" or "it doesn't need horsepower." Not for me though, I want AWD and turbo in this package I would instantly buy it.

[@diobrando6737]

buy a wrx or gr corolla then

[@bearclaw5115]

Not me, I'll take RWD antics and lower cost any day.

[@androiduberalles]

I don't get the attraction for AWD in that platform

[@omarawilson2853]

@@androiduberalles same. What the GR86 really needs is to remain RWD and either a revised NA boxer with a higher rpm or a new NA inline 4 with the same. The car is fantastic in natural aspiration. Just needs more reliability

[@anydaynow01]

Yeah it will be like a WRX that looks amazing!

[@Nocturnal-goose]

Let’s just hope the sp keeps 99.8 % of the looks

[@bearclaw5115]

Ha, it can't. Just think about adding side mirrors, door handles, license plates, realistic headlights and it will lose a lot of that show car appeal. Nice starting point though!

[@autofigure00]

@@bearclaw5115 it feels very similar to the concept the 4th gen mazda3 had, and the mazda3 turned out VERY close to what its concept looked like other than the side views and some minor proportion changes, Mazda themselves said in their press releases / interviews they designed this car (proportions included) to be production ready or as close to production ready design visual wise so I feel it will be pretty similar just like the Mazda3 was. Edit: NVM this lad literally quotes Mazda's own article stating exactly what I said.

[@richlee1374]

Subaru and Toyota already makes a AWD turbo rally-type car but they cost more. The BRZ and GR86 are meant to fill an entry level RWD normally aspirated sports car market.

[@Kev_Silva]

I mean they don’t make a 2 door awd turbo car 🤷‍♂️

[@anydaynow01]

Why can't they make both? An NA RWD entry level model and a bonkers AWD turbo model.

[@richlee1374]

@@anydaynow01 This Gen2 car is likely the last of its kind. They won't invest in improving the platform since it was dropped from the European market this year for not meeting the General Safety Regulations 2 (GSR2). Also BRZ sales in NA is tanking while the GR86 remain decent but once that starts slipping (like during a deep recession in the near future), the car will be discontinued to eventually make room for a new Celica and/or MR2 around 2028. As for the BRZ , RIP. A bonkers AWD turbo BRZ/GR will not happen due to cost/pricing and the fact that it would overlap with the WRX and Corolla/Yaris GR. Get em while you can.

[@InfoumusMOBB]

Mazda SP...! Take my money....ill wait for that car to come out!

[@AmericanBlackKid]

I’m a GM fan (daily drive Camaro) and the lack of CarPlay in new EVs is so frustrating! Rules out the Bolt for me which I’m otherwise excited about. Shoutout to whomever gifted my membership! Thank you!

[@mfmf100]

You can really see Mazda DNA in that concept - RX-7 and MX-5 Miata. I hope they can do something with it.

[@marcnobel3938]

Wunderbar! Over 30 Minutes of the Matt Maran Friday Night Car News Show - with some great topics again. Wishing everybody here a great day and a fantastic weekend ahead. Enjoy the News!

[@anthony5786]

I watch the odd review here and there, but I don’t miss a single weekly update. It’s been that way for several years now. I always look forward to seeing “Wunderbar!” In the comments 🤣

[@decepticonstinger3150]

YEA!

[@decepticonstinger3150]

@@anthony5786same lmao

[@samlovescars34]

@ 7:20 that Mazda Iconic SP looks like a Ford GT90!! Great stuff Matt, thanks

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

9:29 It's not fuel efficiency, in a range extender setting it can run in it's optimal conditions making it acceptable. It's pollutants like carbon monoxide, carbon, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Rotaries are tough to have optimal combustion in which dramatically lowers these emissions. Man I hate how "emissions" is conflated like crazy and you never know what actually is the reason, it's always just "emissions".

[@pixel_eyezd3805]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 They suffocated that engine in the RX-8 with emissions reduction tech, ruining the rotary’s reputation. Now they’re completely neutering it by hooking it to a battery: doomed to never again climb above, cemented at only the most efficient rpm.

[@jordanyeager9220]

Awesome segment!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@MP_pov]

Just a note that I really appreciate these news roundups, super useful and you always pick out interesting info

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thank you, I’m glad you like them!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

17:54 Really the XM was a failure? I didn't hear about that what happened?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Huge incentives right now to move them.

[@djsir901]

The AWD turbo GR86 seems like the test mule for the upcoming Celica GR4.

[@bearclaw5115]

Probably.

[@PARSA-POWER]

I love the way you phrased that

[@DaKosi]

Every saturday morning in Germany, I get up in the morning, eat my breakfast, get a Brezel and eat it watching Matt talk about cars. It is a ritual. Greetings from Germany car enthusiasts!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I love that, thank you for your support!

[@micahstory]

Another great update! Thank Matt!

[@BertShackleford]

Thank you for everything, Matt. As always... Stay classy my friend.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Bert!

[@timw2083]

Come on Mazda ❤

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

Super cool to see the Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy Concept with those awesome retro colors! Also exciting to see the developments from Mazda! Thanks for sharing this week's news! 👍👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching man!

[@mr.anonymoussss]

I hope Mazda gives us an inline 4 turbo version of the new coupe. I don’t want a rotary generator EV.

[@im_an_alvani]

Loving the Castrol tribute livery on the 86. Looks like a lot of promise on the enthusiast end, and a whole bunch of crazy on the EV side of the house.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Another banger of a news roundup. I really appreciate your extended thoughts and theories; they’re always very well backed up and explained. We’re definitely going to have a few wild rides coming up in the US car world with the administration change. Car companies hate abrupt regulation changes, especially every four years.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks!

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

that GR86 Rally concept very much reminds us of the st205 Celica rally car with the wing like that. Hope the Mazda SP car has pop-up lights just like the concept, from the side of it starting from the A pillar back its kinda like an FD Rx7 especially with the window shape

[@al90vette]

Another great update! Excited for the Rx successor. I owned a first gen for 10 years as my first car. I miss that little thing. Matt - any chance they will ditch the battery and move to only rotary power?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! I suppose it’s possible but it seems like Mazda is only interested in rotaries as range extenders.

[@bearclaw5115]

Is the Mazda SP an EV with a rotary range extender system or is it a rotary primarily with a hybrid assist?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Rotary range extender EV.

[@CaptainCJ97]

I never get over how cool your wall is

[@kennordsfan1494]

GM and their insistence that CarPlay is unsafe and their sytem is better lol too funny. The real reason is that it is a subscription service to have the google services like maps need to be paid for. GM has lost their minds and ways.

[@kennordsfan1494]

The Cadillac XT4 is on the same platform as the Chev/GMC Equinox/Terrain with the new redesign of both of those products maybe GM sees no need for a third small SUV. The new twins are very nice with an upscale interiors on both.

[@BroVCam]

First) thanks for the updates! As a longtime Nissan guy; have you heard anything on their rebirthing the SX (in US)/Silvia (everywhere else)? Additionally; the updated Murano looks amazing! Any word on a NISMO variant? Thanks again! ✌🏽❤️✊🏽💯😁

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for watching! No rumors I’ve seen yet about a Murano Nismo.

[@alexle1935]

What if Mazda makes an exhaust sound from the rotary engine but actually uses electric motors to run the vehicle

[@pixel_eyezd3805]

It would sound dreadful. The Mazda team will find the most efficient rpm to charge their batteries, and sentence their prized engine to that singular note forever.

[@mudibluz2006]

Toyota needs to make the gr86 rally into production! We need a Japanese Dakar version to compete with Porsche and Lamborghini

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

The usual CEO's way of taking accountability is taking a golden parachute off the burning airplane they set fire too so Nissan's move is respectable.

[@bmitchellc]

In further news, BMW also announced its own line exclusive to China: BUTT UGLY

[@ned8249]

What the difference between Subaru WRX TR and the TS??

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Adaptive dampers and digital gauges basically for the TS.

[@twotrackjack2260]

Great news update Matt, i appreciate it as always. On the awd GR 86 turbo, KZbinr Larry Chen (of Hoonigan fame) did some in depth coverage on the build process of that car on his channel. Id encourage you to check it out if you can find the time. It should answer a couple questions for you.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I’ll check it out!

[@lucasl.5084]

what’s with kia and never changing tail lights

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

Hi Matt! Do you think this is a preview of the next gen Celica (AWD hopefully)?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Maybe to test the waters to the idea, but it’s just GR Corolla parts so to me it’s no more of a preview than the GR Corolla would be.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Many XT4 sales are to rental fleets....ask me how I know.

[@AmateurSuperFan]

that gt-four 86 is so sick

[@MelasMaidsAuto]

Never clicked so fast!

[@roustabout4fun]

Iconic...willing to wait for her~ Maybe the second or third year to get any bugs 0ut.

[@ulamss5]

I think fans want a turbo on top of the flat 4, not to replace it with a turbo 3.

[@untitled4841]

That Castrol color scheme 🤌

[@VQ25DETT]

The AWD GR86 quite literally uses GR Corolla drivetrain with transversely mounted engine and transmission sitting right next to it. Turbocharged or not, GR86 has to remain FR, because otherwise, it would just be a Celica lol The G16 does fit in a GR86 tho, as there’s a hydrogen race car in Japan and it has the engine mounted the right way.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Of those 34k Envisions, I am sure at least a third went to where I work 😂

[@Landez97]

If they won't put the Turbo i-3 In the 86 twins then at least use the Turbo version of the flat 4. It already exists and people desperately want it. Even if it's 5-7k more it would still sell

[@Angryeddie14]

That Nisan designer losing four days of sleep is hilarious, hopefully in a good way he lost sleep?😂

[@neon_stryfe84]

R.I.P. Rx vision, you were too beautiful for this world.

[@mikedaleiden7725]

That Mazda Iconic SP is gorgeous. I could do w/ out the rotary though... I was never impressed w/ what felt like gutless 4cyl torque levels combinded w/ 8 cyl fuel economy and reliability worthy of a Dodge badge.

[@jeffs6090]

That sucks about the XT4, but it would be good for Envision to be made here. I wish the new XT5 that China has would be made here as well.

[@ChristianGuy7000]

Turbo Awd Gr86 300hp 3000lbs will cost over $50,000 dollars I bet. A mini awd Nissan gtr.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

My prediction new AWD GR86 with that engine, and a RWD version with a different engine.

[@UltimateCARNUT]

If they get rid of google they will fail but the google built in experience is fantastic better than apple car play has ever been for me anyway.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Tell those Nissan dealers to sell the Z at a loss please and with 0% APR 😂

[@Andre96272]

I’d buy it even if it’s rear wheel drive. It has to stay light and make as much power as the Corolla though. Changing it too much Making it heavy and bigger would be a let down

[@Inferno45]

Someone Put a ferrari v12 with two turbos in a GT86. If they can do that then Toyota can easily do this to a production version.

[@drippgxd]

Wrong. They put a Ferrari 458 V8 on it not a V12 wth

[@MNeuenswander]

That GR86 would be perfect for an affordable sports car. I feel like they won’t because it will canabalize the Supra

[@drdetroitwheels]

What you probably will see from my sources is a crazy horsepower Celica 2026 2027

[@sl0907]

I thought the 86 rally was built by evasive motorsports?

[@mrb6144]

Cool car for a 3 cylinder

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Too bad EU country taxation will make these unattainable here.

[@calebhardy8530]

Never got here this early

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

I am so over all concepts and especially the fake sema ones. You are only what you actually make

[@homerfeltheim12345]

Couldn’t nautilus be moved to where the edge was made??

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I believe the old Edge factory is being used for some other new product IIRC.

[@pushslice]

Oh geez, what a waste of a beautiful pure sports car design on the SP . So basically… it’s an EV 🤷 I don’t think I’m alone in saying sports car enthusiasts would have overwhelmingly preferred if it was rotary powered, but with some electric motor assist at the wheels .

[@austinpowers6260]

Hey Matt 👋

[@Bad_1nfluence]

GM's decision to abandon Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in favor of developing its own in-house software is a strategy of full control over the user experience. By creating its own infotainment system, GM aims to integrate features more seamlessly with its vehicles, particularly as it advances in electric and autonomous technology. This shift allows GM to collect valuable user data, offer unique features, and monetize the platform through subscriptions or in-car services without relying on Apple or Google. Overall, this move helps GM reduce its dependency on tech giants, maintain a consistent brand experience across models, and position itself as a more innovative player in the growing EV and digital automotive market. The initial investment in software development is high, but it offers long-term benefits through greater flexibility, control, and potential new revenue streams, similar to Tesla's successful model.

[@cypresschino]

No need for awd gr86. The platform just is not set up for it. Just give me a gr86 with a Toyota engine and around 250hp manual with no rev hang.

[@amcb2035]

Aye the weekly update....and also the bots....damn they're getting bad

[@bmitchellc]

Methinks GM is doubling-down on stupid.

[@bmitchellc]

It must be interesting to dumpster-dive at Cadillac...

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

Subaru's latest engine can't meet the next emissions standards.😂😂😂 Subaru engineering sucks so bad it's not even funny.

[@AmateurSuperFan]

also popup headlights would rule if it made a come back

[@benhaze1010]

WTF Cadillac??

[@kajukuja]

🙂👍

[@sethgunn8256]

❤ Uncle Donnie T

[@drippgxd]

I swear you people are in a cult. Look I hate Kamala too, and idc that trump won. It’s trump supporting cults that ruins it. If you love the 34 count felon so much, why is Elon Musk, trump’s biggest fangirl, RUN TESLA WHICH IS AN EV BRAND SELLING UGLY TRUCKS AND LIES ALL THE TIME???????????????

[@bradenmchenry995]

With a second Trump presidency and Chevron deference being thrown out by scotus, it looks like car enthusiasts are safe for the foreseeable future

[@MattMaranMotoring]

The global car market doesn’t make decisions based on just the U.S…

[@austinpowers6260]

I think forcing people to buy EVs is part of the reason Trump won. The pendulum can only swing so far before it goes back in the other direction

[@bradenmchenry995]

@@MattMaranMotoringno but we are the largest market in the world for enthusiast vehicles. And if we can reign in the epa from enacting any BS it’s a huge win

[@Mybuttholesmells]

@@bradenmchenry995 Evs aren’t selling anyway. There’s no future in Evs. Internal combustion engines are here for good.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Nobody was forced to buy EVs, the U.S. never announced an end date for gas sales, only California, and even they had a plug-in hybrid exception. I’ve said this countless times and people still are stuck on some completely false idea for some reason.

[@benhaze1010]

Sad about Nissan but this is consequential to awful management decisions this past decade and complete failure to work on their product line. Very unlikely that Nissan will survive in the long run.