Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ at a glance

The BRZ and its Toyota twin revived the idea of an affordable, light, naturally aspirated rear-drive coupé. Development began as a Toyota project. Subaru first declined to join, but after a six-month pause and a prototype test it agreed to supply the engine and chassis. Concepts followed from 2009, including the BRZ Prologue at the Frankfurt show in September 2011 and the BRZ Concept STi in Los Angeles in November 2011, before the production cars were shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2011. The Toyota version is covered on the Toyota GT86 page, and the brand's story in the history of Subaru.

First generation ZC6 (2012–2020)

Engine and gearboxes

The FA20 is a naturally aspirated 1,998 cc flat-four with "square" dimensions of 86 × 86 mm and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. Toyota's D-4S system combines direct and port injection, and the engine needs 98 RON petrol. It produces 147 kW (200 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 205 Nm at 6,400 rpm. Mounted low and far back in the chassis, it gives the car a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution and a very low centre of gravity.

Buyers could choose a six-speed manual, the Toyota TL70 based on an Aisin design, or a six-speed Aisin automatic adapted from the Lexus IS 250, with paddle shifters and Sport and Snow modes. A Torsen limited-slip differential was standard on most versions. According to factory figures, the manual reaches 100 km/h in about 7.6 seconds; the automatic takes 8.2 seconds and reaches 210 km/h.

Chassis and body

The suspension uses MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the rear. The bonnet is aluminium, the body is made with high-strength steel and the drag coefficient is just 0.27. The BRZ weighs between about 1,190 and 1,270 kg depending on version and equipment.

Facelift and special versions

A facelift arrived in 2016 for the 2017 model year, with revised exterior styling, a stiffer suspension and an updated interior. Manual cars gained more power, 153 kW (208 PS) and 212 Nm, and a shorter final drive (4.30 instead of 4.10). In Japan, Subaru's STI division prepared the BRZ tS in 2013, limited to 500 cars, with a further 300 in 2015. BRZ production of the first generation ended in July 2020.

Second generation ZD8 (2021 to today)

Subaru revealed the second BRZ, the ZD8, on 18 November 2020, months before Toyota's GR86, and US sales began in late 2021. The platform adopts elements of the Subaru Global Platform and is about 50% stiffer in torsion. The roof, bonnet and front wings are aluminium to keep the centre of gravity low and offset the weight of the larger engine and safety equipment.

The new FA24 boxer displaces 2,387 cc and produces 170–173 kW (231–235 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm, much lower in the rev range than before. Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and top speed is limited to 225 km/h. The same six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes continue. EyeSight driver assistance came first on automatic cars and was extended to manual cars from the 2024 model year. A series-production BRZ tS with STI-tuned suspension and larger brakes followed in July 2023, for the 2024 model year.

The second-generation BRZ received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in 2022, and a BRZ won the GT300 class of the Japanese Super GT series in 2021.

Specifications: ZC6 vs ZD8

Ground clearance is low, about 120 mm on the first generation according to European data, so speed bumps and steep ramps need care.

Interior and practicality

The interior is simple and driver-focused. A low seating position, supportive sports seats, a small three-spoke steering wheel and a central rev counter set the tone, and top versions have leather and Alcantara trim with red stitching. The rear seats are a 2+2 arrangement suitable only for children or luggage; the rear seat back folds to extend the small boot. Standard safety equipment on the first generation included seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, stability control and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Rivals: how the BRZ compares

The BRZ competes with its twin, the Toyota GT86/GR86, the Mazda MX-5 and, at a higher price, the Nissan 370Z and the Toyota Supra. Its strengths are balance, steering feel and low running costs; its weaknesses are modest straight-line pace in first-generation form and limited practicality. More cars of the class are listed among sports cars.