You brought up the use of the Mini (BMW) = FWD
If they partner with Mini, I assume they will use the Mini platform, hence, FWD.
As long as in the end we end up with a cheap RWD manual coupe that has Japanese reliability, I cannot see that happening with BMW though.
I'm curious on how this new Euro built Supra will go, and how much the 6cyl and 4 cyl cost in the end.
If the 4 cyl Supra is reasonably priced that will definitely kill the 86.
Toyota isn't going to have 2 4 cyl RWD front engined sports cars, and that's not counting the Lexus RC
Honestly, I would be happy if Toyota just built their own cars and cut Subaru (the boxer motor really has some issues) and BMW (who, here at least, are overpriced and unreliable) away.
If anything, I believe Toyota should update a old 2ZZ-GE, give it a manual transmission and drivetrain that can handle the power, you could even give it 1mm more stroke and call it a 86, or not and call it a Celica, and bam, next cool cheap sports car from Toyota.
