What was the BRZ designed for?
The Subaru BRZ is a compact sports car that was designed with driving enthusiasts in mind. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the BRZ offers an engaging and responsive driving experience that has made it a popular choice among those who prioritize performance and handling over raw power.
Lightweight and Balanced Design
The BRZ's design philosophy is centered around achieving a low center of gravity and a well-balanced weight distribution. The car's lightweight construction, with a curb weight of just over 2,800 pounds, allows for nimble and agile handling. The engine is mounted low and far back in the chassis, creating a near-perfect 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. This balanced design, combined with the car's rear-wheel-drive layout, gives the BRZ exceptional cornering abilities and a thrilling driving experience.
Naturally Aspirated Boxer Engine
Under the hood, the BRZ is powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, which is a hallmark of Subaru's engineering. This engine design, with its horizontally opposed cylinders, helps to keep the center of gravity low and contributes to the car's balanced handling. The engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for the lightweight chassis without overwhelming the driver.
Driving Dynamics and Enthusiast-Focused Features
- Precise and communicative steering: The BRZ's steering system is designed to provide the driver with a direct and responsive feel, allowing for precise control and feedback.
- Balanced suspension tuning: The suspension setup, with MacPherson struts in the front and a double-wishbone design in the rear, is tuned for optimal balance between ride comfort and handling performance.
- Available manual transmission: The BRZ can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, which allows drivers to fully engage with the driving experience and better control the car's power delivery.
- Limited-slip differential: The available limited-slip differential helps to improve traction and stability during spirited driving, enhancing the BRZ's cornering capabilities.
The Subaru BRZ is a sports car that has been designed with the driving enthusiast in mind. Its lightweight, balanced design, naturally aspirated boxer engine, and enthusiast-focused features make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize an engaging and responsive driving experience.