Why is there no turbo in BRZ?
The BRZ does not come with a factory turbo. It remains a naturally aspirated sports coupe that relies on a 2.4-liter flat-four engine and a focus on light weight, balanced handling, and approachable pricing rather than turbocharged horsepower.
Context: the BRZ's design and market position
The BRZ, developed in partnership between Subaru and Toyota, is built around the idea of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive driver’s car. The second-generation BRZ uses a 2.4-liter horizontal opposed engine and prioritizes chassis balance, steering feel, and responsive handling over raw top-end speed. This packaging underpins the car’s appeal in the enthusiast community and aligns with a broad market niche that values driving engagement as its core feature.
Engine and drivetrain snapshot
The current BRZ employs a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA-series flat-four engine, delivering approximately 228 horsepower. It is available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, and the car emphasizes low weight and a balanced front–rear weight distribution to maximize handling rather than straight-line acceleration.
Why a factory turbo BRZ hasn’t appeared (for now)
Here are the key factors that influence Toyota and Subaru’s decision not to offer a turbocharged BRZ at the factory today.
- Chassis philosophy and handling integrity: The BRZ is positioned as a pure-driver's car, and turbocharging can alter throttle response, torque delivery, and weight distribution in ways that may dilute the car’s nimble handling characteristics.
- Packaging and cooling constraints: A turbo system requires intercoolers, piping, extra radiators, and intercooler plumbing that can complicate the compact BRZ engine bay and raise under-hood temperatures, potentially challenging reliability and packaging in markets with strict emissions and space constraints.
- Weight and balance: Turbo kits add weight and can shift the car's weight distribution toward the front, reducing the precise feel that the BRZ’s chassis tuning aims to deliver.
- Cost, warranty and reliability considerations: Developing a factory turbo option entails substantial engineering, validation, and warranty implications that can raise the car’s price and affect long-term ownership costs for a broad customer base.
- Emissions and fuel economy targets: Turbocharged variants must meet diverse regulatory standards across regions, which adds complexity and potential compromises to efficiency targets.
- Market positioning and price strategy: The BRZ’s value proposition centers on accessible performance and affordability; a turbo variant could push the price beyond the car’s traditional appeal and complicate its identity alongside higher-end turbo sports cars.
- Platform timing and future roadmaps: Any future turbo or alternative powertrain would depend on the next generation or a major refresh; as of now, there has been no official confirmation of a turbo BRZ in the pipeline.
In short, the absence of a factory turbo BRZ reflects a deliberate product strategy that prioritizes handling, packaging, and cost management over adding forced induction today.
What exists today and what enthusiasts can do
For buyers who crave more performance today, there are pathways outside a factory turbo that can enhance BRZ dynamics while preserving its core character.
- Aftermarket forced-induction options: Turbo or supercharger kits are available from third-party suppliers, offering significant power gains but potentially affecting warranty coverage, reliability, and service costs.
- Engine and exhaust tuning: ECU remaps, intake upgrades, and cat-back exhaust systems can improve throttle response and output in a controlled, relatively affordable way when properly calibrated.
- Suspension, braking, and tires: Upgraded coilovers, sway bars, braking components, and high-performance tires can sharpen handling, grip, and turn-in without altering engine output.
- Weight management and aerodynamics: Lightweight components and carefully chosen aero tweaks can improve performance envelopes and agility without substantially changing power figures.
Prospective BRZ buyers should consider warranty implications, local regulations, insurance costs, and long-term reliability when pursuing modifications. The goal for many owners is to preserve the car’s balance and driver-focused feel while extracting additional performance through well-chosen upgrades.
Summary
The BRZ continues to prioritize a natural-aspirated, lightweight, rear-drive experience that emphasizes handling and driver engagement over turbocharged horsepower. There is no factory turbo option as of the current model year, driven by a combination of design philosophy, packaging constraints, cost considerations, and regulatory factors. Enthusiasts have aftermarket and upgrade pathways to push performance, but these come with trade-offs. The door remains open for future powertrain evolution in a next-generation BRZ/GR86, but no official turbo plans have been announced to date.
Which BRZ year to avoid?
The Subaru BRZ years to avoid are primarily the first-generation models from 2013 and 2014, which are known for a significant valve spring recall and other issues. While later 2013 models had some issues addressed, it is best to ensure any recalls were completed or avoid these model years altogether. Some 2018 and 2019 models may also be affected by a fuel pump recall, according to this YouTube video.
2013 and 2014 models
- Valve spring recall: The most significant issue is a recall for valve springs that can fracture, which affects a large number of early models and can cause engine failure if not repaired. Some 2013 models are particularly susceptible, though the issue was fixed in later-built 2013 and 2014 models with revised parts.
- Other issues: These early years can also have problems with the coil packs overheating, leading to misfires, and other issues like power steering and fuel pump problems in certain production runs.
- Water intrusion: Some models may have issues with water leaking into the cabin.
2015-2016 models
- These models generally have fewer issues than the earlier years, as some of the problems were addressed from the factory.
- However, some issues like power steering problems may still be present in some production runs, so check if the recall has been completed.
2017 and later models
- The 2017 model year brought several updates to the BRZ, including performance improvements and other enhancements.
- 2018 and 2019 models: Some of these years have been affected by a fuel pump recall.
- 2020 and newer: These models are generally considered reliable, with fewer common issues reported.
General advice
- When buying a used BRZ, it's crucial to check if any recalls have been performed, especially for the valve spring recall on the 2013 and 2014 models.
- It is always best to get a pre-purchase inspection to identify any potential problems before you buy a used car.
Why is the BRZ no turbo?
Yes, the FA24 engine that now powers the BRZ comes from the Ascent, Subaru's three-row SUV. But while the Ascent uses a bottom-mounted turbocharger, fitting that system in the BRZ would have required engineers to raise the engine height, which in turn would have raised the center of gravity significantly.
Can a BRZ engine handle a turbo?
A quality turbo kit can easily push your BRZ past 300 horsepower, completely changing its character from a momentum car to a genuine powerhouse.
Does the new BRZ come with a turbo?
They're not all-new.
While there's no turbocharger on the new BRZ, the engine will be upgraded to Subaru's 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat four-cylinder, producing 170kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Those outputs represent increases of 18kW and 45Nm when compared to the outgoing vehicle's two-litre four.
