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->ke3973 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->ke86 and Toyota->ke88 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 04/12/2012: 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 09/04/2012: Following up on the awesomeness of its "Scorched" commercial, the Subaru BRZ returns for yet another cool advertisement. This time, it's called "Snake," and as the name evidently suggests, it can slither in and around an intense track beset by natural disasters. Check out the ad in all its glory by clicking on the image above!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Subaru BRZ.

subaru-brz

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: subaru-brz
Pros
Cons

2013 Subaru BRZ

Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: horizontally-opposed boxer engine
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 151
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with short stroke shift lever
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

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.