The second-generation Subaru BRZ range will soon grow with the addition of what sounds like a sportier trim level. While details about the model remain few and far between, the Japanese company released an enigmatic preview image and gave us the coupe’s unveiling date.
Subaru is keeping key details, including the car’s name, under wraps. The only official tidbit of information tells us that the brand has a “sharper and more focused” evolution of the BRZ in the pipeline, while the only official photo of the car shows a BRZ-branded headlight. “Sharper” and “more focused” are open-ended terms, but we’re guessing that neither is literal. We can’t imagine a BRZ with a razor-sharp front end, that would very likely cause it to lose its coveted Top Safety Pick+ award, or with tail fins worthy of a 1959 Cadillac Series 62.
Odds are Subaru is referring to handling, though keep in mind this is pure speculation. The BRZ could get a firmer suspension system, a more direct steering system, or both. The “BRZ” logo in the headlight is STI’s signature pink (sorry, “cherry blossom red”), which suggests involvement from Subaru’s in-house tuning and motorsport arm. But if you’ve been waiting for a BRZ STI, especially now that the WRX STI is dead, this likely won’t be it. It’s more likely something along the lines of the STI-tuned BRZ tS (pictured below) unveiled in 2017 with an array of suspension updates sounds plausible.
That would also mean powertrain modifications won’t be part of the package; if you want a turbocharged and/or straight-six-powered BRZ, you’ll likely still need to build it yourself. Just as a reminder, the regular-production car uses a 2.4-liter flat-four rated at 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic is available at an extra cost.
Like the original model, the second-generation BRZ is closely related to the Toyota GR86 (which was launched as the Scion FR-S in the United States). Toyota hasn’t announced plans to unveil a “sharper and more focused” variant of its coupe anytime soon, however.
Subaru will present the next evolution of the BRZ at the Subiefest California festival taking place in Arcadia on July 23, 2023.
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Source: www.autoblog.com