When most people think of Subaru, the word that most often comes to mind right after “WRX” and just before “ugly” or “granola” is “All-Wheel Drive”. In fact, since 1996, all Subaru vehicles sold in the U.S. have come standard with the Symmetric All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. That all changes with the introduction of the 2013 Subaru BRZ, a rear-wheel drive (RWD) sport coupe created in collaboration with Toyota.
The BRZ (and twin Scion FR-S) is the result of a partnership between Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, and Toyota. Looking to breathe new life into a brand that is now considered by many to be too bland since the end of the Celica and Supra models, Toyota looked to Subaru’s engineering prowess to help them complete a new generation sport coupe that rekindles the excitement they once had in models like the AE-86.
The BRZ (& FR-S)’s bones and guts are almost entirely Subaru. They created a brand new 2-litre Boxer engine, including Toyota’s Direct Injection System, dubbed the FA. This new design is much lighter and compact than the one in this current generation’s Impreza, allowing it to be placed much lower and further back than its predecessor. In turn, this translates to a better weight distribution (54/46) and incredible handling. However, this configuration means that there was no reasonable space left to fit an oft-rumored AWD system without compromising the handling or power.
When you really think about it, this works in the BRZ’s favor. Instead of being set up as a smaller, cheaper sibling to the Subaru WRX STi, it is free to fill a completely different role in Subaru’s roster. Unfortunately, Fuji was so concerned about American buyers’ reaction to the lack of AWD that they held back on giving the car a full marketing campaign and only plan to bring 6000 cars to our shores. It’s a shame because if sales in Japan are any indication, this car is going to sell incredibly well. So that means there are zero commercials, and no chance of test driving this car in Forza Motorsport 4 like you can with the Hyundai Veloster.
As it stands, the FA cranks out 200hp at 7000 RPM and 151ft-lbs of torque at 6400 RPM but don’t lose heart. When you consider that the entire package weighs in at a little over 2700lbs, approximately 200 more than the Miata, those numbers are a bit easier to swallow. Furthermore, the BRZ’s stats position it more as direct competition with Mazda’s venerable MX-5 Miata and to a lesser degree BMW’s Z4 as opposed to the Nissan 370z or Hyundai Genesis. The Mazda Miata is regarded as a top compact sport coupe, not because of its ability to peel smoke from the tires or its ability on the drag strip, but for the cart-like handling and driving thrills it provides. With the death of the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky and the pricing of the Z4 pushing out of the reach of most buyers, the Miata has enjoyed the lack of any real competition until now.
The BRZ sits on Macpherson struts up front and a double-wishbone configuration out back as well as a limited-slip differential with 5 control settings including “sport” and “snow”. Unfortunately, my time with the BRZ was short and we were not permitted to drive this preview model but if the reviews are to be believed, the ride is amazing. The coupe holds the turns deftly and the electronic steering means it responds just as well. You have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with “sport mode” and paddle shifters and the Limited trim will include a rear spoiler.
So, what about Toyota’s work on the body and interior design? To maximize interior space, Toyota opted for a sporty fastback design with a double-humped roof line that looks aggressive and offers an additional inch of headroom. Large wheel wells house the 17in black/chrome wheels and the rear sports a unique triangular 3rd brake light nestled between the dual exhausts. Inside, you’ll find deep, body-hugging seats and dark cloth upholstery. All BRZs come standard with Integrated 8-speaker audio and voice-activated GPS navigation system with the option to activate SIRIUS/XM satellite radio.
There are back seats and they do include the LATCH system in case you want to start your baby’s love of cars early but let’s be honest, no one buys this sort of car with the idea that there’s going to be anyone else beside themselves and their plus one. With that in mind, the back seats also fold down to enlarge the trunk space for those times when you want to pack up and take your significant other down some twisty roads to an out of the way B&B for the weekend. The Limited trim will add Leather/Alcantara upholstery, heated seats and automatic climate control. Overall, it is definitely a new look for Subaru. In fact, why not just take a look at our gallery below and see for yourself?
