2013 Subaru BRZ

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 BRZ

Key Facts/Performance

• All-new Subaru-developed vehicle-specific platform.
• New 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer engine features "square" configuration (bore and stroke dimensions identical) for high-revving performance; double overhead camshafts and dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS); fuel injection system combines direct injection and port injection technologies; very high compression ratio; high specific engine output: 100 hp/liter.
• Choice of 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions; optional automatic has steering wheel paddle shifters, Sport mode, winter mode and downshift blipping control.
• Torsen limited-slip differential.
• Double-wishbone rear suspension.
• Electric power steering.
• 4-wheel vented disc brakes.
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control system (TCS) with 5 modes, including Sport mode and TCS Off for track driving.
• 17 x 7-in. aluminum alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 summer performance tires.
• Aluminum hood.

Key Facts / Design and Amenities

• Premium and Limited trim lines.
• 2+2 seating with enough trunk and interior room to transport four tires and tools for track driving.
• Standard navigation system with voice control and comprehensive infotainment capabilities (see standard equipment).

Key Safety Features

• Ring Shaped Frame Reinforcement body structure provides outstanding occupant protection.
• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters.
• Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System; dual-stage deployment driver and front passenger airbags; front seat side pelvis/torso air bags and side-curtain air bags (SRS).
• 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Brake Override system.
• Safety pedal system.
• Whiplash protection front seats.

Standard Features: BRZ Premium

• 12v power outlets: one in glove box and one in center console
• 24-hour roadside assistance for vehicle limited warranty period
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with red stitching.
• Fold-down rear seatback
• Aluminum-alloy pedal covers (including driver’s footrest)
• Auto on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, low and high beam
• Touch-screen GPS navigation system with:
• 6.1-inch LCD screen
• AM/FM stereo with HD radio
• Single-disc in-dash CD player
• 196-watt amplifier
• 8 speakers
• MP3/WMA capability
• Voice activated controls
• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity
• iPod control capability
• iTunes tagging capability
• USB port
• XM Satellite Radio (subscription required)
• XM NavTraffic (subscription required)
• SMS text messaging capability
• 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
• Manual climate control system with cabin air filtration
• Carpeted floor mats
• Chrome interior door handles
• Cruise control
• Cup holders integrated into door panels and two in center console
• Digital clock
• Digital dual-mode trip odometer
• Digital outside temperature gauge
• Dome light with off-delay
• Driver’s footrest
• Sport design instrument panel gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, digital speedometer integrated within tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Illuminated ignition switch ring
• Dual visor vanity mirrors
• Leather-wrapped shift handle and parking brake handle
• Multi function display with current and average fuel economy
• Performance-design front seats with height-adjustable head restraints
• Power door locks
• Power side mirrors
• Power windows with driver’s and passenger’s auto up/down with pinch protection
• Rear window defroster with timer
• Remote fuel door release
• Remote keyless entry system with engine immobilizer system
• Seatback pocket on front passenger seat
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers

BRZ Limited adds:

• Alcantara seat inserts with leather bolsters All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors)
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control system
• Fog lights
• Front door courtesy lights
• Keyless Access and Start with illuminated engine start/stop button
• Rear trunk spoiler (body color)
• Security system

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

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.

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

Video Montage

1 of 2 Subaru BRZ Development Movie

2 of 2 Subaru BRZ Development Movie