Is the BRZ a real Subaru?
The Subaru BRZ has sparked debates among car enthusiasts since its debut. As a unique collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, some question whether the BRZ truly embodies Subaru's identity. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, design, and features of the BRZ to determine if it deserves its Subaru badge.
The Origins of the Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ was born out of a partnership between Subaru and Toyota. The two automakers joined forces to create a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that would appeal to driving purists. While Toyota markets its version as the Toyota 86 (formerly Scion FR-S in the U.S.), Subaru offers the BRZ as its counterpart.
Subaru contributed its engineering expertise to the project, particularly in the development of the powertrain. The BRZ is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four "boxer" engine, a hallmark of Subaru's engineering. This engine design lowers the car's center of gravity, enhancing its handling and performance.
What Makes a Subaru a Subaru?
Subaru vehicles are known for their ruggedness, all-wheel-drive systems, and practicality. The BRZ, however, breaks away from this mold in several ways:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: Unlike most Subarus, which feature all-wheel drive as standard, the BRZ is rear-wheel drive. This departure was intentional to cater to sports car enthusiasts.
- Focus on Driving Dynamics: The BRZ prioritizes lightweight construction and sharp handling over the off-road capability typically associated with Subaru vehicles.
- Shared Development: The BRZ shares its platform and many components with the Toyota 86, making it a product of collaboration rather than a purely Subaru creation.
Does the BRZ Deserve the Subaru Badge?
Despite its differences, the BRZ still carries Subaru DNA. Its boxer engine, a signature feature of Subaru vehicles, plays a central role in its performance. Additionally, Subaru's engineering expertise is evident in the car's precise handling and balance.
While the BRZ may not fit the traditional Subaru mold,
Frequently Asked Questions
What year to avoid BRZ?
Avoid: 2013 Subaru BRZ
As the first year of the BRZ in the U.S., it's not unusual for initial “teething” issues to arise, and the 2013 BRZ has more reported complaints than any other model year. Owners have commonly reported problems with the transmission, especially with noisy operations.
What is the fastest Subaru?
Subaru WRX Project Midnight
It's called the Subaru WRX Project Midnight, it's very black and it packs a Nissan GT-R beating 670 horsepower.
Does the BRZ have a Subaru engine?
You'll find a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER flat-four engine under the hood of every 2024 BRZ.
What is the Toyota version of the Subaru BRZ?
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are sports cars that impress in these areas. Both cars are built on the same platform so unsurprisingly they have many similarities.
What does tS stand for in BRZ?
Tuned by STI
"Tuned by STI" is what the tS stands for, and it's the natural extension of the limited-run tS model Subaru offered with the previous-generation BRZ. The tS stands in as the 2024 BRZ's top trim level and brings a revamped suspension, better brakes, stickier tires, new 18-inch wheels, and appropriate branding.
What is the Subaru BRZ classified as?
Toyota 86
| Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ | |
|---|---|
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door fastback coupé |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Is Subaru BRZ rare?
The rear-drive BRZ sports car is scarce and becoming rarer by the day. The 2024 BRZ sport coupe, a Subaru model that's the hardest to find on any Subaru retailer's lot, is a rare gem that only a select few can lay their hands on.
How long will a BRZ engine last?
The community responded by sharing that BRZs can last for over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Moreover, many users reported that their BRZs had reached high mileage without significant issues. Some users mentioned their daily-driven BRZs with 115,000 and 130,000 miles, respectively.
Why is the Subaru BRZ the same as the Toyota 86?
That's right, both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 are the same car. In fact, this car was developed by Subaru not Toyota, because the engine itself uses Subaru's boxer engine coded FA20. This was done because Toyota was not too focused on develo...
Why do BRZ engines fail?
Early on, forum critics suspected the popped engines were the result of oil starvation at the oil pickup, caused by a material known as RTV (room-temperature vulcanizing silicone). RTV is used in manufacturing to seal many components in the engine, like the oil pan, timing cover, heads, and valve covers.
