Subaru BRZ (2012)
Subaru BRZ
The new Subaru BRZ is developed as a joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation. Their goal was to bring to the world a sports car with superior steering response and driving pleasure that everyone can experience. Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sports car featuring the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine. This engine was positioned even lower than other Subaru models. The reason for this is that the low center of gravity produces astonishing handling character and combined with a light-weight chassis.
"Pure Handling Delight” is what the new Subaru BRZ is all about. As mentioned already the Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine has special qualities, because of its low center of gravity, lightweight, and compactness. The Subaru BRZ is a fascinating sports car that we assure you you’ll enjoy to drive!
The specific position of the engine is mounted on a specially designed sub-frame that forms an "ultra-low center of gravity package". The benefits of this are that the BRZ now achieves a low driving position typical for sports car. Furthermore the overall height of Subaru BRZ is 1,300 mm and it has a wide and low body of a stylish coupe at 1775mm. However, it still allows for 2+2 seating and a trunk with sufficient space. Therefore you can use this stunning BRZ as a sport car, as well as a safe companion for long tours.
The new Subaru’s Exterior aims for a sports car, but of course the design was detailed to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. For example the front fascia has a low hood design. On the other hand the Subaru’s identity is represented by the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagon lower grille which are common elements across other new models. The aesthetic beauty of the car is combined with functional one. What I mean is that improvements are made in the aerodynamics through C-pillar shape, rear glass inclination, trunk lid layout. Moreover the front and rear overhangs are shortened to express the Subaru BRZ's liveliness. In addition the design of the rear fascia is so perfectly that puts more on the beauty of the BRZ's rear view.
What about the interior? The aim here is under the motto “driver and vehicle as one”. This is made possible through the carefully designed details of the new Subaru BRZ. For instance, the steering wheel is made smaller to achieve sports car maneuverability. Next, a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed in the center of the gauges. In this way the driver can instantly see information without diverting attention from the road.
What is more important and more interesting here are the innovations made in the newly developed engine. It is not only highly efficient with superior output, but also environmentally friendly. It realizes an exhilarating high revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine. The engine of new generation has a square bore and stroke of 86 x 86 mm. Toyota's direct injection and port injection technology "D-4S" was incorporated in the Subaru BRZ's power unit (don’t forget that it is a joint-project). The highlight here is put on the achievement of an "ultra-low center of gravity package". This is made possible because of the compactness of the engine.
The joy of sports car driving is achieved through a transmission that focuses on shift feel and response. The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever, which is optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel. And to be more precise the he 6-speed AT has "S mode" for better shifting response and "M mode" for optional shifting. Moreover, with the paddle shift and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to the driver's inputs.
The lightweight yet highly-rigid body is of course developed to maximize the advantages of the "ultra-low center of gravity package". This has been achieved through a durable frame structure which also works in balance with the vehicle's light-weight. And for the collision safety the new Subaru BRZ is optimized for high drivability and appropriate durability. The light weight of the body is achieved thank to the tensile steel. This material is also used in the upper structure of the Subaru BRZ, and again this contributes to its low center of gravity.
At last, but not least is to be highlighted the chassis of the car. Excellent maneuverability and stability is what is of importance here. This offers a direct and sharp response to the steering and enhances driver's connection to the car. At one hand the front suspension employs struts for light-weight and high rigidity. On the other hand the double wishbone layout is adopted at the rear for better shock absorption.
The tires used in the brand new Subaru BRZ are 215/45R17. They are combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels.
All models of Subaru BRZ are equipped with electronic stability control in order to provide both driving pleasure and safety.