AT LONG final, Subaru has unveiled its new second-generation BRZ coupe, a automobile that sticks to the first-gen’s primary recipe of being small, gentle and rear-wheel drive however ups the ante when it comes to firepower, now boasting an additional 18kW/37Nm courtesy of an even bigger 2.4-litre engine.
Channelled to the again wheels by way of both a six-speed handbook or six-speed computerized transmission, the brand new BRZ’s new flat-four petrol engine develops 170kW of energy and 249Nm of torque, instantly addressing the primary criticism of the present mannequin.
The engine in query is definitely a naturally aspirated model of the force-fed mill discovered within the abroad Liberty and Outback XTs which has be infused with Toyota’s D-4S direct gas and port injection system.
Whereas a good bit larger when it comes to engine capability, the brand new BRZ is just marginally bigger dimensionally than the present mannequin with 25mm being added to its total size (4265mm) – 6mm of which may be discovered within the wheelbase – whereas its width stays the identical at 1775mm.
9mm has been minimize from its total peak, which means the brand new mannequin stands simply 1311mm tall.
When all is claimed and achieved, Subaru is claiming the brand new mannequin’s physique to be 50 per cent stiffer than the present mannequin’s whereas the decrease roofline and in depth use of aluminium has additionally lowered the centre of gravity.
By way of styling, the brand new BRZ is a far cry from its predecessor, as an alternative resembling one thing of a combination between a Ferrari 599 and C7 Chevrolet Corvette, albeit in a a lot smaller bundle.
In truth the one actual similarities between the present BRZ and the brand new one is the fundamental inverted trapezoid form of the primary grille and its subtly flared rear haunches.
On the entrance we discover an virtually smiling fascia – count on the brand new Toyota 86 to flip the trapezoid grille to create a frown – with rounded triangular headlights underlined by easy daytime operating gentle strips.
A darkened built-in entrance splitter in the meantime provides a quiet sense of purposefulness to the association, as do the black 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels – wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.
Behind the entrance wheelarches there’s a set of practical air vents which combine into the generously sculpted aspect skirts.
The rear finish seems prefer it might have come virtually instantly off the final of the Holden Insignia VXRs; that includes upsweeping tail-lights mounted proper up beneath the lip spoiler, linked by an analogous full-width trim piece.
The bumper in the meantime is meaty and outlined by a pointy contour line when it intersects the rear wheelarches, flanking the dual exhaust ideas which poke by means of a generously proportioned double-bubble fashion rear diffuser.
Inside styling has been saved extra intently according to the present mannequin in being easy and driver-focused with the acquainted mixture of gray fabric and leather-based upholstery, sports activities seats, rotary local weather controls and a high-mounted infotainment display screen.
Native pricing and specification is but to be detailed by Subaru nonetheless a number of the world spec highlights embody Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster and Subaru Eyesight (automatics solely).
Subaru Australia normal supervisor Blair Learn stated the brand new BRZ’s reveal was “tremendously thrilling” given the hype the primary era stirred up.
“This automobile gave the entire sports activities section an enormous shake when it initially launched in 2012 and primarily based on what we all know thus far in regards to the second era, we’ve obtained very excessive hopes for its ongoing enchantment in Australia,” he stated.
Whereas the brand new mannequin’s native arrival is but to be confirmed, GoAuto understands it ought to be on monitor to reach within the third quarter of 2021.
What this implies for the BRZ’s Toyota sibling, the 86, and its arrival Down Beneath stays to be seen, with earlier experiences suggesting the Toyota will lob right here across the similar time because the BRZ, despite the fact that the second-generation has not been revealed.
Subaru Australia had bought 297 BRZs as of the top of October, accounting for six.1 per cent of the sub-$80,000 sportscar section and marking 10.8 per cent decline in comparison with the identical interval final yr.
