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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 BRZ sports 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 12/07/2011: Although not yet confirmed, it is being rumored that the Subaru BRZ will go on sale at a starting price of $24,000 for the BRZ Premium and $27,000 for the BRZ Limited. The base Premium model will come with aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-speaker system and Navigation as standard. The Limited version will come with the usual Subaru leather and alcantara seats, foglights in the bumper, and a boot spoiler not seen on the model in Tokyo.(MotorTrend) UPDATE 03/13/2012: According to a report from Car And Driver, the US market will only be receiving 6000 units of the Subaru BRZ sports car for the 2013 model year. US dealers are already accepting orders for the car, but prices haven’t been announced just yet. UPDATE 03/29/12: Inside Line has posted a review of the Subaru BRZ and they’ve got a lot to say about sports coupe. Find out what they think of the BRZ after the jump! UPDATE 04/05/12: Subaru has announced the US prices for their BRZ sports car. As expected the prices are similar to its Scion FR-S contender: $25,495 for the Premium model with a six-speed manual transmission and going up to $28,595 for the Limited version when equipped with an automatic transmission. UPDATE 04/12/12: Subaru has finally dropped an online configurator for their new BRZ sports car. So, go online ad start playing with it and configure the model you like! UPDATE 04/24/12: Subaru has unveiled a very cool documentary explaining the development process for their latest BRZ sports car. Hit the jump to watch it. Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Subaru BRZ. 1 of 2 Subaru BRZ Development Movie 2 of 2 Subaru BRZ Development Movie 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. At-A-Glance 2013 Subaru BRZKey Facts/Performance
Key Facts / Design and Amenities
Key Safety Features
Standard Features, BRZ Premium
BRZ Limited adds:
Optional for Premium and Limited: 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, downshift blipping control, steering wheel paddle shift control switches, sport shift mode and snow shift mode. 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
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. Inside Line’s Review of the Subaru BRZ Aggressive styling Ample Space Low Center of Gravity Package Looks almost identical to the GT 86 Same engine as the GT 86 41 comments: Subaru BRZ I almost went ballistic when I saw this one as its look is my dream car. But then, Toyota has released theirs, and I’m confused which to choose!
 Subaru has thought of another innovation that will surely be a big hit. After all, what do we expect from the manufacturer of BRZ’s successful predecessors?
 Maybe the in-house mechanics and engineers came from Toyota, that’s why its almost similar to the GT-86.
 The exterior is too bright; the interior is too dull. Furthermore, why is this so similar to Toyota GT8? Its engine is even the same. I wish they produced a more original, more vigorous innovation.
 This BRZ really got my attention. I like it from the oozing exterior up to the amazing machine and driving abilities.
 It is hard to decide which will be the best in this competition, but this BRZ has an advantage because of its performance. There are some comparing it to the GT-86;let us see who will take home the crown.
 his car is the new breed of Subaru. The Imprezza WRX is their best creation before and it has sold a lot, locally and internationally. This will be the next after the WRX phenomenon.
 What are they? Twin companies? LOL. It’s not amusing when two releases at the same time with similar looks. Nevertheless, focusing on Subaru BRZ’s appearance, it looks less aggressive than GT8.
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Posted on
04.16.2012 @ 04:12