Toyota and Subaru have always said they were going to unveil their collaborative vehicles at the same time, so after finally seeing the production version Toyota GT 86, the production version of the highly anticipated BRZsports car was given its time to shine. Next to the GT 86, the new BRZ will be making its world debut this week at the Tokyo Auto Show and will go on sale early next year.
While developing the two sports cars, Subaru and Toyota promised they would deliver totally different design languages, but upon close inspection, the two vehicles are almost identical. Both vehicles have a strong front fascia, but the BRZ will be distinguished by a Subaru-signed hexagon lower grille, front bumper design, and headlight detailing. Other details setting it apart are the custom fender vents, integrated exhaust tips, and revised tail-lamps.
As previously confirmed, the Subaru BRZ will be powered by the same 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer engine found in the GT 86. The engine even delivers the same 200 HP and 151 lb-ft torque, meaning the promised 300 HP will be reserved for the STI version.
UPDATE 11/30/2011: The new Subaru BRZ has finally made its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show and this was the perfect opportunity to bring you new images and a video of the car. Enjoy!
VIDEO
Aggressive styling
Ample Space
Low Center of Gravity Package
Looks almost identical to the GT 86
Same engine as the GT 86
Exterior
The new Subaru BRZ features the wide and low body of a stylish coupe and has been built on a 2,570 mm wheelbase. With a total weight of 2689 lbs, the BRZ offers a 2+2 seating, plus ample space in the trunk.
The entire car has been designed in order to deliver "an ultra-low center of gravity package." The package starts off with a low hood design featuring Subaru’s six-star ornament, a hexagon-shaped lower grille, and long, slit-looking headlights that match those of the GT 86. Features of the GT 86 can also be seen on the shapely fender flares, projecting rear wheel arches, a specially designed C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, and trunk lid layout. The back of the BRZ comes sporting integrated exhaust tips and revised tail-lamps. One of the few differences between the exterior of the two sports cars is the new wheel and tire package for the BRZ.
Interior
Inside the Subaru BRZ, we expect to find a similar, driver-oriented interior with the new tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer that has been placed in the center of the gauges so that the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road. The sports seats will be designed to offer a lowered sitting position and the steering wheel will be smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability.
Engine
The 2012 Subaru BRZ came a little late to the party, bringing the same engine setup found on the Toyota GT 86: a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed boxer engine equipped with Toyota’s direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S." This engine delivers a total of 200 HP and 151 lb-ft torque, basically confirming that the previously promised 300 HP will be left for the STI version. It is mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission with short stroke shift lever or with an optional 6-speed automatic tranny that has an "S mode" for better shifting response and an "M mode" for optional shifting.
The Subaru BRZ offers excellent maneuverability and stability thanks to its "ultra-low center of gravity package," a feature that has been seemingly left out of the Toyota GT 86. The front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity, while a double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption. The front strut mount was lowered, but still maintains the stroke. All models will be equipped with electronic stability control to provide both driving pleasure and safety.
Prices
The 2012 Subaru BRZ will go on sale in the spring of 2012, at the same time the Toyota GT 86 hits the market.
Competition
The new Subaru BRZ will be competing with, well, the GT-86. Toyota’s version will be Subaru’s natural rival and it should be interesting to see the first-year sales of these clone cars. Both models will likely have similar performance and some of the same styling cues, so it should be a fun comparison test.
In addition to the Toyota, the BRZ will go up against the Mazda MX-5, Nissan’s 370Z, the Ford Mustang, and possibly the V6 Chevrolet Camaro. Of course, we have to wait until we have complete specs and pricing to make an accurate comparison.
Aggressive styling
Ample Space
Low Center of Gravity Package
Looks almost identical to the GT 86
Same engine as the GT 86
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