Subaru Brz
| Toyota 86 | |
|---|---|
Toyota GT86 (Europe)
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru (Fuji Heavy Industries) (BRZ) Toyota Motor Corporation (86, GT-86, FT-86) Scion (FR-S) |
| Also called | Toyota GT86, FT86 Scion FR-S (2012-2016) Subaru BRZ |
| Production | January 2012–present |
| Model years | 2012–present |
| Assembly | Ōta, Gunma, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door fastback coupé |
| Layout | Front engine, rear wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L 4U-GSE / FA20 H4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 6-speed A960E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm (101.2 in) |
| Length | 4,240 mm (166.9 in) 4,234 mm (166.7 in) (Subaru BRZ) |
| Width | 1,775 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1,285 mm (50.6 in) |
| Curb weight | Toyota 86: 1,190–1,298 kg (2,624–2,862 lb) (Toyota 86) Scion FR-S: 1,251–1,273 kg (2,758–2,806 lb) |
Subaru BRZ
The BRZ's name comes from three elements: Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Z standing for the zenith. The Subaru BRZ differs from the 86's design in the front fascia, with a different grille and headlight assembly, as well as a different front fender vent. The BRZ's grill is hexagonal in shape, compared to the Toyota's trapezoid. The BRZ features a wraparound of LED parking lights in the headlight assembly, while daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper. The suspension setup of the Subaru is different from the Toyota. Like the Japanese Toyota 86, Subaru offers an RA base model lacking most interior comforts and utilizing 16 inch steel wheels, with the only difference from the 86 RC being that the BRZ RA's bumpers are painted the same color as the body. Two main trim levels are offered: R trim, known as Premium in North America, and S trim, known as Limited in North America. European and Australian BRZs offer a Toyota stereo unit, while Japanese and North American vehicles use a Subaru unit. Australian BRZs were originally available for sale only online.
In 2013, Subaru unveiled a BRZ tS model for the Japanese market, tuned by STI. The tS model features an improved suspension setup, 18 inch silver BBS wheels, STI bodykit and front spoiler, a larger drive shaft, and Brembo brakes, along with interior changes to include a new steering wheel, front seat, gauges, and Alcantara accents. A further tS GT Package includes Recaro seats, black BBS wheels, and an adjustable carbon fibre rear wing. The tS is limited to 500 units in total, with a maximum of 250 of them being the GT package. In 2015, a similar release of 300 units was sold again only in Japan.
In 2014, as part of running changes consistent with those of the MY15 Toyota 86 GTS, the Subaru BRZ also featured a new key fob and two new colours, including ‘WR Blue Pearl’ metallic finish. In addition, Subaru also launched special editions both for the United States and Australia markets. For the former, one thousand BRZ Series. Blue editions were marketed at additional cost, half painted in Blue Pearl and the other half in Crystal Pearl White. This model featured STI body kit parts, 17-inch STI black alloy wheels and red brake calipers. For Australia, Subaru launched a similar variant known as the Special Edition, also at additional cost. It featured stripes across the bonnet, boot and roof; 17-inch STI black alloy wheels; STI boot spoiler plus front, side and rear-side under spoilers; a rear diffuser and a push-button starter switch. It was available in every existing BRZ paint hue.
In 2015, Subaru released the limited edition Hyper Blue range across its WRX, WRX STI and BRZ models. In Australia, the BRZ was limited to 50 units with manual transmission only. This limited edition is characterised by the said blue paint and a host of other cosmetic upgrades.