There are very few sports cars released recently that make you stop and stare, chin falling on the floor in amazement, as more and more manufacturers work within the constraints of their economically imposed ‘one world, one market’ approach to car design. The very nature of such an approach meaning that any design and engineering choices made, need to be such that they neither offend nor upset all of the manufacturers varied and very individual market places. Surely, a seemingly impossible task. And yet Subaru’s BRZ Sports Coupe was like a breath of fresh air upon release as Subaru made sure that the driving experience was placed purely at the heart of all decisions during the design and development of this superb sports car.
Indeed Subaru have kindly shared with MotorMartin the following short films, released from their own, superb YouTube channel, allowing us a special insight into how they go about creating a two seater that is built to thrill.
And now, news has arrived on the top floor of MotorMartin Towers that Subaru’s BRZ Sports Coupe is back for 2017 with a comprehensive update to further cement BRZ as the driver’s car of choice. That’s just the news that MotorMartin has been waiting for.
Subaru have shared with MotorMartin that the update covers every area of BRZ; exterior, interior, powertrain, suspension and safety, refining the driving experience whilst enhancing sports car appeal.
Fortunately, the Coupe shape remains, but is enhanced with a wider, lower stance at the front end. This isn’t just for show, as the 45⁰ stepped accent on the bumper limits airflow into the air intake, which improves handling and ride. The BRZ’s face is finished off with full-LED headlights, a Subaru first. New design rear lamps and aerodynamic pedestal spoiler top off the rear of the car, and the wheels are now a 10 spoke aluminium design. And all of this hard work has created a stunning look for the 2017 BRZ.
Inside, MotorMartin has been told, a 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-information display has been added into the instrument panel and that the display features a G force meter, steering angle gauge, brake force gauge, lap timer and torque/power curves for bringing out the sportier side of any driver. The steering wheel has also been redesigned into a smaller package with different leather to increase the driver’s grip for a more engaging experience and is finished off with audio control switches. Focus has been directed to upgrading the feel of components by using higher quality materials throughout the cabin, including Alcantara and leather seats.
Since day 1, the BRZ was built to deliver a linear driving feel, ensuring that the car responds exactly as the driver intended. Keeping this concept in mind, the BRZ’s suspension, engine and drivetrain have been further refined by Subaru to further enhance its poised handling and driving experience.
Inside the Subaru hallmark Boxer engine, the strength of the cylinder blocks has been increased. The valve stems have been buffed and polished, the camshaft is lower friction and the weight of the rocker arms has been reduced. These changes couple together to result in a more responsive, fuel efficient engine. Exactly what you want and need.
The dampers have been redesigned to reduce body roll, increase precision whilst cornering, as well as damping vibration, therefore delivering improved ride comfort whilst being dynamically focussed.
For sporty drivers, the new TRACK mode enhances the stability of the car and allows for more refined accelerator inputs when driving on race circuits and consolidates the previous 5 VDC modes into 4. For the urban drivers, there is a new type of Hill Start Assist (HSA) to help with uphill starts or downhill reversing.
Fortunately, Subaru have not forgotten about safety as they have also included a next-generation advanced airbag system which uses upgraded sensors for a greater level of safety.
From Spring 2017, the BRZ will be available in SE Lux trim only with either a manual or automatic transmission which can be seen below in this short film kindly shared with MotorMartin from Subaru’s own YouTube Channel.
Overall, this all new BRZ takes everything that was good about the original and improved upon it, with the end result being a car that meets and exceeds the drivers already high expectations. Well done Subaru, the BRZ looks fantastic.k
Where will you go?