2012 Subaru BRZ

(from Subaru Press Release)  Subaru today unveiled the production version of its highly anticipated BRZ sports coupe. With 200PS and 151lb/ft maximum torque in a car weighing just 1,220kg, the BRZ has been designed for maximum – and accessible – driving enjoyment.

The result of a Subaru-led joint-engineering venture with Toyota, the BRZ delivers a sensational and engaging driving experience, thanks in large part to an engineering and development programme that focused on achieving the lowest possible centre of gravity.

Concept

The Subaru BRZ was designed and developed from the outset to deliver driving fun and exceptional handling, combined with reliability and safety.

Carefully conceived powertrain packaging allows the celebrated horizontally-opposed Boxer engine to be positioned lower than ever before. This, in conjunction with its advanced lightweight chassis and use of cutting-edge lightweight materials, endows the BRZ with exceptional handling characteristics.

The low-slung, naturally aspirated engine allows for a low and wide stance: 1,300mm tall and 1,775mm wide. However, the 2+2 sports car still offers ample luggage space, ensuring it is adept as a weekend touring companion and as an enthralling daily driver.

Exterior styling

The BRZ’s styling – instantly recognisable as a Subaru – conveys the car’s fun-to-drive attitude.

At the front, the low-slung engine facilitates a low, purposeful bonnet line, which in turn accentuates the bulging front wheel arches. Signature design features – such as the six-star badge, distinctive headlights and hexagonal lower grille – give the BRZ a fresh, striking appearance.

The clean flanks of the BRZ are punctured by neat air vents either side, pierced by a chrome dart. A visually striking diffuser dominates the lower edge of the BRZ’s tail, with twin exhaust pipes prominently penetrating on each side, representing a final flourish of stylish functionality that conveys the performance intentions of Subaru’s newest model.

Interior

The interior of the BRZ is designed to ensure that the driver enjoys the behind-the-wheel experience to the full. The steering wheel is deliberately compact to aid rapid inputs and to ensure the driver can fully enjoy the BRZ’s lightning-quick responses.

The instrument binnacle features a tachometer with a digitally displayed speedometer at its centre, ensuring that the time required to view vital information is kept to an absolute minimum, and that time concentrating on the road is maximised.

The BRZ’s specially designed sports seats feature ergonomically optimised bolsters to hold the driver and passenger securely and comfortably.

Powertrain

Fully exploiting the best design features of the current-generation Boxer engine, the newly developed 2.0-litre powerplant is exclusive to the BRZ. The joint development programme with Toyota Motor Corporation allowed Toyota’s ‘D-4S’ direct injection and port injection technology to be incorporated into the BRZ’s power unit, improving efficiency. The powerplant achieves a maximum output of 200PS and 151lb/ft torque.

The transmission was engineered for exceptional gearshift feel and response. The six-speed manual features a short-stroke gear lever, which is optimised in rigidity, shift accuracy and weight. The six-speed automatic transmission has a ‘Sports’ mode for immediate shift response. Its ‘Manual’ mode allows the driver to use the steering wheel-mounted paddles and features a downshift ‘throttle blipping’ system to ensure the BRZ delivers maximum driver satisfaction.

Chassis and body

BRZ boasts a lightweight yet highly rigid body, developed to maximise the advantages of the car’s low centre of gravity. The rigid and durable chassis structure employs the latest lightweight, high-tensile steel technology, and helps the car’s driving characteristics while also enhancing occupant safety. The aluminium bonnet helps to minimise the BRZ’s weight, while the structure is also designed to maximise pedestrian protection.

The front suspension employs struts for optimum rigidity, while a double wishbone layout at the rear provides superb shock absorption and compliance. The 215/45 R17 tyres are mounted on lightweight and highly rigid 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

All BRZ variants are equipped with electronic stability control to ensure that driving pleasure and safety are delivered hand-in-hand.

The Subaru BRZ is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in July 2012.