In the world of sports cars, the typical life cycle differs from regular vehicles as they tend to remain on sale for an extended period. However, it seems that Toyota is breaking the pattern with the GR86, as a new report suggests that its successor could arrive sooner than expected. According to Autocar, the British magazine, the next-generation model might hit the market as early as 2025, resulting in a relatively short four-year lifespan for the current second-gen GR86.

Why the rush? There are two primary factors driving this decision. Firstly, Toyota needs to update the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe to meet the increasingly strict emissions regulations in its home country of Japan. Autocar’s sources claim that the second-generation GR86 won’t be eligible for sale in Japan in a few years due to non-compliance with these regulations. Secondly, the publication speculates that the third-generation GR86 will incorporate a hybrid powertrain to enhance fuel efficiency. This hybrid setup is expected to be based on the turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris hot hatchback.