Subaru upgrades BRZ

Subaru's upgraded 2017 BRZ has been revealed in the US and will bring new interior and exterior designs, more equipment and better performance and handling when it arrives in Australian showrooms in October.

Based on the facelifted Toyota 86 revealed at the New York motor show in April, the MY17 BRZ brings less cosmetic change but a subtle new front-end design courtesy of a more aggressive bumper with larger fake air-intakes.

Local specs are yet to be confirmed, but in North America revisions include the fitment of full LED headlights with more prominent daytime running lamps, LED tail-lights, a colour-coded aluminium rear spoiler and new rear garnish as standard.

US flagship Premium and Limited models also gain new 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels wheel with a high-contract black and machined finish and a tacho-housed 4.2-inch information screen showing a stopwatch, lateral Gs, braking force, steering angle, and oil and water temperature. Incline Start Assist is new across the range.

Also inside is a new leather-trimmed steering wheel with revised audio and controls, revised climate-control system panel and red BRZ embroidery on the front seat backs. In US BRZ Limited models with optional six-speed auto, there are paddle shifters and a wrapped instrument panel visor.

As per the 86, body rigidity is enhanced via reinforcements to the rear wheel housings, strut tower braces and transmission cross-member plate, in addition to a retuned suspension set-up comprising uprated springs, dampers and rear stabiliser bar.

Subaru says the MY17 BRZ chassis changes result in improved responsiveness, stability, ride comfort and sportier steering feel. Combined with raised stability control threshold levels, it claims the changes are "dramatic enough for Subaru to change the name of 'Sport' mode to 'Track'".

Also like the 2017 86, the BRZ’s 2.0-litre flat boxer four will bring more power, thanks to new valves, camshafts and cylinder-heads, plus reduced friction, a new aluminium intake manifold and higher-flow exhaust manifold.

Six-speed manual versions will now offer 153kW (up from 147kW), along with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a lower final drive ratio of 4.3:1 – down from 4.1:1.

Also available to buyers of the US BRZ Limited manual will be a new Performance Package that includes larger front and rear brake discs and Brembo callipers, plus Sachs shock absorbers and unique 17x7.5-inch black aluminium alloy.

Premium and Limited models will be available in the US from September, while the top-spec BRZ Limited with Performance Package will arrive in North American showrooms early next year.