2015 Scion FRS/Toyota GT86 to get power bump!

Toyota is preparing a power boost for its popular 86 sports coupe.

The Japanese brand has teased numerous concepts of its two-door cult car with upgraded engines, including a supercharged TRD version built in the United States and a twin-charged (supercharged and turbo charged) version created by its in-house skunkworks Gazoo Racing.

But it has always maintained those were designed to showcase the ability for aftermarket tuners and were not suitable for mainstream production.

Now, the chief engineer of the 86, Tetsuya Tada, has finally admitted his team is developing a number of ways to increase performance of the showroom version; one of which will definitely make it to production when the 86 receives its mid-life upgrade in 2015.

"I hope to make an engine upgrade at least one time with this car," Tada told Drive.

"We [have] already tried all possibilities and there are several types of 86 prototypes at the Toyota proving ground now; one is a turbocharger, one is bigger displacement and [the other is a] special hybrid system."

"All possibilities are being considered."

Tada would not divulge any further details, but inside sources claim the most likely option is an increase in displacement, bumping the 2.0-litre horizontally opposed engine out to 2.5-litres and increasing power from 147kW to around 190kW.

It is understood this option would be the most cost-effective solution that not only maintains the integrity of the lightweight concept but prevents placing the additional stress on the drivetrain that a turbo charger would or the complexity and weight penalty of a hybrid system.

However, both alternatives are not being tested in vain, as they are likely to be introduced on the next-generation 86.

Tada confirmed to Drive he is already developing the concept for a successor, and hinted that it could be a radically different car, potentially dropping the boxer engine altogether - which raises questions about Subaru's involvement and whether there will be follow-up to the sister BRZ.

Toyota has confirmed it is developing its first turbo charged four cylinder engine in almost 20 years, which is likely to debut in Lexus' compact SUV - dubbed NX - that will be revealed in concept form at the Tokyo motor show in November, which Tada admitted was an option.

"The boxer [engine] has benefit for low centre of gravity, but [we will develop the] concept for the next generation car first and then we will look at best possible options to fit," he said.

"We will see then, but this could be..."

Either way, it is almost certain the hybrid system Toyota is currently working on will make its way into the next-generation 86. However, it is unlikely to be a conventional, and heavy, battery pack but rather a road-going development of the super capacitor system employed in its Le Mans sportscar racers, which are not only smaller and lighter but can store and deliver energy quicker for rapid bursts of acceleration.