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Subaru FUJHY, +0.14% recently lifted the curtains on the newest version of its BRZ sports car, and we were along for the ride (literally). To get you up to speed, this is the second generation of the BRZ coupe, and it will be a 2022 model that is set to go on sale next fall. Its price hasn’t been announced, but we expect it to be in line with the current 2020 Subaru BRZ, which starts under $29,000. The first-gen made its debut for the 2013 model year and was a collaboration with Toyota TM, -0.29%. You might have known its siblings in the relationship as the Scion FRS and Toyota 86.
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For this all-new model, Subaru has stuck to the formula that made the first generation so much fun while updating it for today. Subaru invited us to the Thermal Club racetrack outside of Palm Springs, California, for a sneak peek. While we didn’t get to drive it (that will come later), we were treated to some hot laps with a guy who can probably out-drive us all: Subaru rally driver and former Formula One racer Scott Speed. After our first brush with the new BRZ, here are five takeaways.
It remains rear-wheel drive. You might know that Subaru has built a great reputation on its all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction in snow, dirt, and for overall handling. But the BRZ is the exception in Subaru’s lineup. It remains a purist’s sports car with rear-wheel drive. RWD cars just have a certain sporty feel to them that you have to experience to appreciate. That’s also what enables a talented driver to drift the car and slide it around corners. We experienced that ourselves as Speed effortlessly drifted and slid the BRZ around the track. Oh, to make it seem so easy.
The BRZ
Subaru
It’s more powerful. The BRZ was never meant to be a powerhouse, emphasizing lightweight and cornering finesse over straight-line performance. But there was no denying it could use a little more oomph. The 2022 Subaru BRZ gets that thanks to a bigger engine. Gone is the 205-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and in its place is a 228-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. As before, the engine is a “boxer” or horizontally opposed engine. This type of engine sits lower and gives the car a more planted feel. Subaru is known for these engines, as is Porsche. That’s good company to be in.
It’s safer: This next-gen BRZ will offer Subaru’s EyeSight system that bundles active safety and driver-assist features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. But it will be limited to models with automatic transmission. Which brings us to our next point.
The manual transmission remains: Driving enthusiasts have more reason to rejoice. The 2022 BRZ will again come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional is a 6-speed automatic.
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It is again a collaborative effort: Just like first-gen BRZ, this one is another joint effort with Toyota. We see some of that in the design. To our eye and at some angles, the BRZ looks like a smaller Supra. Again, good company to be in.
This story originally ran on Autotrader.com.
