Subaru is rolling out another special edition version of the BRZ for the Japanese market and before anybody starts throwing tantrums on why the U.S. market is getting jilted yet again with the special edition love, settle down. We already have it as the optional “Performance Package” that’s available for the manual Limited trim of the 2017 model year BRZ.
Unlike here in the U.S., the Japanese market will get the model as the BRZ GT, otherwise known as the range-topping version of the sports coupe. The upgrades are relatively the same with the only exception being that the GT trim in Japan will also receive some cosmetic goodies to go with all the performance enhancements.
So the BRZ GT really isn’t that much of a special edition model, at least when you compare it to some of Subaru’s past special editions. Nevertheless, it is limited and only our friends over in Japan get it as an actual exclusive. Subaru didn’t say how many of the BRZ GT models would be made available in Japan, but sales are expected to start on November 7, 2016 with the GT available in either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and priced at 3,315,600 million yen ($31,900) and 3,375,000 million yen ($32,500), respectively.
Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru BRZ GT.
2017 Subaru BRZ GT
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- Model: 2017 Subaru BRZ GT
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What makes the Subaru BRZ GT special
If you have high expectations for the Subaru BRZ GT because it carries the “GT” name, you’re going to be a little disappointed. But if you temper your expectations a little bit, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you’re going to get. See, the GT trim doesn’t really offer anything that’s going to blow your mind; it actually doesn’t even have any power upgrades to speak of.
What it does have is a special red paint finish, a dedicated rear spoiler, and a new set of 17-inch black aluminum wheels. Just behind those wheels are larger front and rear brakes from Brembo with matching callipers to help improve the car’s overall stopping power. The GT trim also gets the same Sach dampers that are also available in the “Performance Package” here in the U.S. These dampers should provide the BRZ GT with a more composed ride and increased control for the driver.
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Move inside and this is where the Japan-exclusive BRZ GT becomes unique relative to the Performance Package. If our Japanese friends are fans of premium leather and Alcantara, well, they’re going to enjoy what they’ll find in the cabin of the BRZ GT because of the heated seats dressed in Alcantara-and-leather combination upholstery.
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The engines will be of the standard variety, but seeing as we’re talking about the 2017 model year BRZ, Subaru has already made its own set of updates on the 2.0-liter Boxer engine. Engine output on models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission has been increased by five horsepower and five pound-feet of torque, adding up to a total of 205 ponies and 156 pound-feet twist. On the flip side, models with the six-speed automatic will still have the standard 200 horses and 151 pound-feet of torque.
As mentioned above, the BRZ GT is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic at prices that are equivalent to $31,900 and $32,500, respectively.