The original Subaru BRZ was an extremely special car. It was one of the few (if not the only) lightweight, rear-wheel driven, mechanically simple Japanese cars that was still being sold new in showrooms. The biggest complaint about the Subaru BRZ was that it needed more power. Well, 8 years have passed since the original Subaru BRZ was launched and now we finally have a 2nd generation model that addresses this issue and more. Meet the all-new Subaru BRZ.
The new BRZ builds on the same formula as the original. It’s a front-engine, rear-wheel driven sports car with a low-mounted 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated boxer engine. As before, Subaru have worked with Toyota in developing this model and the 2nd generation Toyota 86 will reflect what has been done on this new BRZ.
The 2-litre boxer has been replaced by a 2.4-litre boxer. Not only has the displacement increased, but Subaru have improved the intake and exhaust efficiency and reduced friction in this engine design. This all leads to a 15% torque improvement over the previous BRZ.
The 2.4-litre engine is equipped with Toyota’s D-4S technology, allowing both direct and port injected fuel delivery. The BRZ now comes with 228hp and 249Nm of torque (up from 200hp and 205Nm). With the various improvements to the chassis, list of equipment, safety and performance, the 2nd generation BRZ only weighs about 1277kg (manual) to 1306kg (auto, US full spec). The first BRZ weighed between 1190kg and 1273kg.
6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are still on offer, but the auto boxes now come with a refined Sports mode function which can detect the driver’s intentions and automatically keep itself from upshifting when necessary.
While the new BRZ does NOT ride on the Subaru Global Platform, they’ve taken lessons learnt from that chassis and applied it here. The new BRZ’s body has 60% better front lateral rigidity and 50% better torsional stiffness. Aluminium has been used on the roof, front fenders, and hood for weight reduction. These changes improve the car’s handling and passive safety. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres are now featured on the BRZ where 18” wheels are optioned from the factory.
Of course, we have to talk about this new design as well. The new BRZ retains a recognisable silhouette but has adopted a more modern aesthetic. It comes with wider, lower hexagonal grille with more angular air intakes. There are also more aerodynamic elements across the body.
Inside, the BRZ still looks distinctively sport, though not ultra modern. There are still plenty of physical buttons and knobs scattered throughout.
That being said, the instrument cluster is now fully digital with a 7” TFT display for the tacho, speedo, and multi-info display while fuel and oil temperature are displayed using an LCD gauge.
An 8” infotainment system sits in the centre with Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
The BRZ comes with contoured sport seats with firm side bolsters.
In terms of safety, Subaru are now offering EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Systems on the new BRZ but only on models equipped with the automatic transmission. Eyesight on the BRZ comes with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control. Lane detection and lane keeping was not mentioned in the official press release.
As we stated earlier, the improvements to the chassis have also translated to better crash performance. Other innovations in passenger protection have also been integrated into this new BRZ.
