While not as old as other Japanese carmakers like Toyota and Nissan, Subaru was one of the first companies from the country to open shop in the United States. It happened in 1968 when Malcolm Bricklin established Subaru of America in Philadelphia. Exactly 50 years have passed since them as of 2018, and Subaru is celebrating the event with a range of 50th Anniversary Edition models. The package is available across the entire U.S. lineup, including the BRZ sports car.

Limited to only a couple of hundred units, the BRZ 50th Anniversary Edition shares most of its special features with other vehicles included in this run. So it's not exactly as exclusive as Subaru wants us to think. However, it has a range of cool features, including a new exterior color and new interior appointments. It's also based on a higher-trim model, so it gets an extended range of standard equipment. Find out what it's all about and how much it costs in the review below.

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2018 Subaru BRZ 50th Anniversary Edition

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  • Model: 2018 Subaru BRZ 50th Anniversary Edition
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What makes the Subaru BRZ 50th Anniversary Edition Special?

The first thing that sets this model apart from the standard BRZ is the Heritage Blue exterior. This brand-new color is lighter than the usual, bright blue seen on the beefed-up WRX models, but it suits the two-door coupe quite nicely. It will probably be offered on regular models too once the 50th Anniversary Edition is sold out, but if you want to be the first to get it, this is your best chance. The Heritage Blue paint is complemented by satin chrome trim for the windows and badges, and a 50th Anniversary emblem.

Unfortunately, the BRZ didn't get a couple of features that come with most other 50th Anniversary Edition cars. Weirdly enough, the coupe is the only one that doesn't feature the unique alloy wheels. Also, it has body-colored mirror caps instead of the satin chrome. This option was deleted from the WRX and WRX STI too, so it must be a performance car-related thing, but it would have been nice to give the BRZ unique wheels too.

More goodies can be found inside the cabin, starting with the black upholstery highlighted by silver stitching. The seatbelts are also finished in silver, while 50th Anniversary logos are embroidered on the front seat headrests and the carpeted floor mats. The special model is based on the range-topping Limited trim, so it comes with a few extras such as Alcantara and leather upholstery, Subaru StarLink navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, automatic climate control, and keyless access with push-button start. The Performance Package with Brembo brakes and Sachs shock absorbers should be available optionally, as should the six-speed automatic transmission.

Sadly, things remain unchanged under the hood, where the 2.0-liter flat-four cranks out the same 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. The 2016 updated added only five horses and five pound-feet, which makes 2018 the sixth year when the BRZ carries over without significant changes in the drivetrain compartment. Come on Subaru; we need that turbo!

The only thing that makes the 50th Anniversary Edition somewhat appealing is that production is limited to only 250 units. So it might end up as one of the rarest BRZs ever made. Pricing starts at $29,940, a $1,495 premium over the BRZ Limited it is based on. Not exactly a big deal considering the extra features, but a decent sticker for a limited-edition car.

References

Subaru BRZ

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru BRZ.

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