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It comes as no surprise to hear that Toyota is working to generate more power for its popular 86 model, known as the Scion FR-S in America. The latest report does, however, contradict past rumors of a turbocharged engine, instead pointing towards something larger under the hood.

The chief engineer of the 86, Tetsuya Tada, has shared a little bit of information on what the Japanese automaker is working on to improve its popular sports car, which will see a mid-life upgrade in 2015. According to Tada, he hopes “to make an engine upgrade at least one time,” with the current 86. The automaker has tried all possibilities of increasing power under the hood, which includes turbocharging, using a larger powerplant and even a special hybrid system, and Tada admitted that some of the prototypes at Toyota’s proving grounds are currently testing those ideas.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Scion FR-S Review: Road Test – Video

In other words, Toyota is considering all possibilities to give its 86 more power under the hood, though inside sources believe the most likely option is increasing the displacement of the current 2.0-liter engine to a 2.5-liter powerplant, which would mean a boost to around 250 horsepower. The option is favored due to its cost-effectiveness, in addition to the fact that it wouldn’t drastically alter the handling properties of the 86.

Tada also confirmed in the same interview with Drive that he is already developing the concept for a successor to the 86 and hinted that the Boxer engine could be dropped altogether. Recently, Toyota confirmed that it’s developing its first modern-era four-cylinder turbocharged engine that will likely make its debut in the new Lexus crossover.

[Source: Drive]

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