Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Subaru introduces all-new BRZ Sports Coupe for 2022


A few years ago, Toyota and Subaru got together and created an all-new sports coupe to be sold by Subaru and Scion dealers. The cars each had details that differed, but the basic design was the same. When Scion went bye bye, the sports coupe became a Toyota, the FT 86. For 2022, the Subaru BRZ has received updates and upgrades to allow for the all-new title. New styling, a new engine, new infotainment, new safety equipment, etc. The cool thing here is that sports coupes can get pushed aside and the Subie (at least, no word on the Toyota version) has been redone to keep the little coupe relevant. Okay, no hybrid or EV at this time, but the 2.4-liter Subaru Boxer, naturally-aspirated engine is new (228 hp, 184 lb./ft. of torque) that comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. With the car's low center of gravity, handling should be exceptional but the BRZ is more about balanced performance than straight-line numbers. The interior is new with Subaru's latest infotainment package and the interior looks like a nice place to be. The BRZ is a 2+2, but the room in the back is better for kids or short folk. But then if you wanted comfy seating for four+, you wouldn't be buying a sports coupe, you'd find some sporty sedan to fill your needs. The new styling is a stand out like a sport coupe should be with sculpted sides and a reworked rear clip that is very good-looking. The front clip is also nice as it should also be. The 2022 Subaru BRZ will be hitting your local dealer later next year, but if this looks like it could be your next car, get in line at your local Subaru dealer now. Sports coupes often sell out after a major update and this is an update. For more info, check out the media release and video after the jump. More to come, I'm sure...

Source: Subaru - Media release. pics, and intro video after the "read more" jump.






Media Release:

ALL-NEW 2022 SUBARU BRZ MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT
 

  • Sports Car Purity, Subaru DNA.
  • Subaru BRZ focuses on ultra-low center of gravity, low weight and pin-sharp handling.
  • New 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Subaru BOXER engine debuts with 228 HP.
  • Lightest rear-wheel drive 2+2 production sports car in U.S. market.

The all-new, rear-wheel drive 2022 Subaru BRZ sports car made its Global Debut today at the Thermal Club Raceway in Thermal, CA. Subaru developed the all-new BRZ with the same fundamentals of sports car design that it used to create the original: low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity with precision steering and handling in an affordable 2+2 package. But for the 2022 model year, the BRZ features more power, better handling, improved styling, a 50-percent increase in torsional stiffness and a modern interior. A pure sports car with Subaru DNA.

Running counter to the current trend of power over precision, the 2022 Subaru BRZ focuses on simplicity and fun. Designed to deliver an unmatched driving experience, the all-new BRZ features a new and more powerful 228 horsepower 2.4-liter horizontally opposed engine. Sitting low in the chassis, the Subaru BOXER’s unique design allows the BRZ to achieve a Center of Gravity (CoG) even lower than the previous BRZ and on par with exotic hyper-cars. The ultra-low CoG is critical to delivering unrivaled handling, with a low polar moment and quick reaction to driver inputs. The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine redlines at 7,000 RPM and delivers a 15-percent increase in torque. The 2022 BRZ will be offered in both Premium and Limited trims and is available with two transmission choices; a standard six-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic with a new Sport mode designed for more aggressive driving. The new Sport mode allows for more rapid downshifts with automatic throttle blipping and utilizes yaw sensors to hold the transmission in a lower gear during hard cornering to maximize performance.

Clever and Modern Design

Despite its sporting intentions, the 2022 Subaru BRZ does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality. The 2+2 seating and folding rear seats create a useful cargo area that has space for carrying a mountain bike, golf clubs, or even four race tires and tools for track days. Utilizing aluminum for the roof, front fenders and hood, the 2022 Subaru BRZ has an estimated curb weight of just under 2,900 lbs., delivering on its promise of accessible performance.

The BRZ’s bold new styling is as impressive as its handling prowess. The overall impression is modern, agile and powerful, with focused and functional aerodynamic details. The tidy coupe design is just over an inch longer and almost half an inch lower than its predecessor, resulting in a low and wide frontal area set off by large functional air intakes. The grille is set low and is capped by proud fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points. A narrowed greenhouse accentuates the bold fender flares and the roofline features a subtle “double bubble” appearance, a nod to vintage racing cars. 

The aggressive design flows into bold front fenders with a large side vent. The functional side vent reduces drag by ducting air from under the hood and fenders. The released air is directed to a side sill spoiler that creates downforce at speed.  A small fin at the back of the rear-wheel arch also assists in airflow adding stability at speed. At the rear of the car, the large rear fenders and wider track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance. This visual heft is lightened by a narrower greenhouse and rear hatch which flow into a dramatic upturned “ducktail” rear spoiler.

Driver Focused Interior

For 2022, the Subaru BRZ features a new interior with every detail focused on the driver. A new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard is the focal point with the tachometer front and center featuring an integrated digital speedometer readout. To the left of the tachometer is a programmable meter that can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-meter, once again emphasizing the BRZ’s performance capability. When the BRZ is placed in track mode, the tachometer automatically shifts to a linear graph with a color display that allows for a quick read allowing the driver to focus on the road. 

The overall cabin design is contemporary and modular with improved driver amenities. The 8-inch infotainment touch screen takes precedence in the center stack and features the latest SUBARU STARLINK™ multimedia systems, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android ™ Auto, as well as Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, rear vision camera and SiriusXM® services. Limited trims feature telematics and vehicles equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

In keeping with its sports car dynamics, the BRZ seating position is low, but features excellent sight lines due to use of high strength steel in the A, B and C -pillars, keeping them thin but strong. Deeply contoured bucket seats provide support and are enhanced with red detail stitching. The folding rear seats and spacious rear cargo area round out a comfortable and practical interior. 

Chassis

Featuring a bespoke chassis, the BRZ takes full advantage of its ultra-low center of gravity and high-strength body structure. With a 101.4-inch wheelbase and near perfect weight distribution, the 2022 Subaru BRZ is nimble and easy to control. The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep weight low. Using design elements from the Subaru Global Platform, the chassis has gained rigidity through a reinforced chassis mounting system, sub-frame architecture and other connection points. Front lateral bending rigidity has been increased by 60-percent for the 2022 model to improve turn-in and response. The front suspension features custom-designed MacPherson-type struts to optimize the low hood line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and ride quality. The double wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tire grip over varied surfaces.

For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) traction and stability system offers the driver five different settings. The system has been redesigned to allow more input from the driver before it activates the traction system. The system can be turned completely off to put the driver in full control.

Production of the Subaru BRZ will be at Subaru’s Gunma, Japan assembly plant. The BRZ will go on sale early fall of 2021.

Preliminary Specifications. All data estimated and not final.
 
Vehicle2+2 sports car
Engine4-cyl. horizontally opposed (Boxer), alloy cylinder block and cylinder heads
Displacement2.4-liter
Bore x stroke3.70 in. x 3.39 in (94mm x 86mm)
Compression ratio13.5:1
Horsepower228 HP @ 7,000 RPM
Torque184 lb.-ft. @ 3,700 RPM
Fuel systemToyota D-4S® direct fuel injection and port injection system
ValvetrainDouble overhead chain-driven camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) controls valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts
TransmissionStandard: 6-speed manual with short-throw shifter
Optional: 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters and downshift blipping control
Limited-slip rear differential is standard for all.
Stability/traction controlVehicle Stability Control with traction control and five settings
Suspension4-wheel independent
Front: MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear: Double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Wheels17-inch aluminum alloy on Premium
18-inch aluminum alloy on Limited
Tires215/45 R17 87W Premium
215/40 R18 85Y Limited
 
Brakes4-wheel ventilated disc
Exterior Dimensions (in.) 
Wheelbase101.4 (plus .02 inch)
Length167.9 (plus 1.2 inch from last generation)
 
Width69.9 inches
Height51.6 inches (minus .04 inch from last generation)
Curb weight (lbs.)Estimated for U.S. model: 6-speed manual: Premium 2,815 lbs. Limited 2,835
Automatic Premium 2,864 lbs. Automatic Limited 2,881 lbs.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

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