Slick new Subaru BRZ revealed

The all-new 2021 Subaru BRZ has made its world debut in the US following a brief teaser campaign, bringing an edgy new look and more power from a bigger boxer engine.

Based on a new rear-wheel drive platform, the redesigned Subaru BRZ is due on sale globally next year, although Subaru Australia says it is “yet to confirm a launch date for the second-generation BRZ locally”.

“It’s tremendously exciting to get these first glimpses into second generation BRZ,” said Subaru Australia general manager, Blair Read.

“This car gave the whole sports segment a massive shake when it originally launched in 2012 and based on what we know so far about the second generation, we’ve got very high hopes for its ongoing appeal in Australia.”

Marking a significant coup for Subaru, the second-generation BRZ emerges ahead of its twin, the new Toyota 86, which will once again share its body, interior and mechanical set-up.

At the heart of that is Subaru’s new 2.4-litre flat four-cylinder engine (FA24), delivering 170kW of power and 249Nm of torque – up from 147kW/205Nm – with help from Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel-injection system.

Subaru says the larger new engine’s “thoroughly enhanced intake/exhaust efficiency and reduced friction” helps increase peak torque by 15 per cent and deliver “a smooth revving feel and sharp throttle response” plus “stronger acceleration and a noticeable power increase”.

Once again both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available – the latter with adaptive Sport mode – proving reports of a CVT auto wide of the mark.

Subaru stops short of claiming the chassis is all-new, instead saying the new BRZ benefits from “knowledge and techniques learned from development of the Subaru Global Platform” as well as new manufacturing processes including inner frame construction and structural adhesive application.

The result is a significantly stiffer body with a sizeable 60 per cent increase in front lateral bending rigidity and a 50 per cent increase in torsional stiffness, says Subaru, contributing to “improved steering response, more nimble handling and better traction in cornering”.

Light-weighting measures aimed at offsetting the extra weight of the bigger engine include an aluminium roof, front guards and bonnet, while more extensive use of high-strength steel and additional structural enhancements are said to improve crash safety, help improve weight distribution, lower the centre of gravity and improve agility.

Wheelbase grows by 5mm to 2575mm and suspension continues to comprise MacPherson struts with lower L-arms up front and double wishbones at the rear, both with coil springs and anti-roll bars.

Models equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17-inch on the current model) will be equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

All this is wrapped in a body that’s 25mm longer (4265mm), 10mm lower (1310mm) but the same width (1775mm), and features much bold body-side sculpting including a character line that extends from the grille.

It’s also punctuated by a lower and wider hexagonal grille, and several new aerodynamic features including side sill spoilers and air outlets behind the front guards.

The interior features a basic layout with a horizontal-style dashboard and a lower instrument binnacle to provide a better view of the road.

Front and centre is a new 8.0-inch multimedia infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, alongside a 7.0-inch TFT and LCD cluster and contoured sports seats with firm side bolsters.

New safety and driver assistance technologies include – at least for automatic versions – Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite comprising pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control.

Watch this space for more details.