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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Subaru BRZ SE

The Subaru BRZ isn't getting a facelift anytime soon, but over in the UK, the BRZ is getting - or at least getting back - the entry level SE trim. It doesn't sound that sexy, that much I think we can all agree on. But it does give customers in the UK a cheaper BRZ alternative than the ones they're currently getting.

There's not a whole lot to be excited about the return of the BRZ SE other than its 22,495 ($37,033 at current exchange rates) price tag. The engine is still the same (ho hum) 2.0-liter flat-four and there aren't any added features unless you get the higher-grade SE Lux version. At least that one gets Alcantara and heated leather-trimmed seats.

Otherwise, prepare to see standard features like keyless entry and push-button start; dual-zone climate control; cruise control; sports seats; VSC; Torsen limited slip differential; and front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. Satellite navigation is also available, although that one comes as a dealer-fit option.

Judging by what's being offered, the BRZ SE can be an attractive buy if you're looking for a sports car across the pond. But you're probably better served getting the SE Lux trim. For an extra 1,500 ($2,469), you at least get some nice Alcantara-wrapped heated seats.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Subaru BRZ SE.

Subaru BRZ SE originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 3 September 2014 15:00 EST.

Subaru WRX S4

The Subaru Impreza was introduced in early 1993 as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback. A two-door coupe was launched two years later. Initial engine choices included 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.0-liter flat-four engines, but Subaru later added 2.2- and 2.5-liter units as well. As the first-gen Impreza soon made a huge name for itself in rally racing, the technology made it onto the road under the WRX moniker. The iconic WRX STI model was born in 1994. The second-gen model arrived in 2000, boasting major design and technology changes, and it arrived int he U.S. for the 2002 model year. Redesigned yet again in 2007, the WRX's engine remained largely unchanged internally, while output increased to 227 horsepower. The fourth-gen WRX (second-gen in the U.S.) was unveiled for the 2015 model year with a more aggressive design, and a 2.0-liter engine rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As we move toward 2015, Subaru is introducing a brand-new iteration of the WRX to slot between the standard version and range-topping STI.

Dubbed WRX S4, the new sports sedan is essentially an upgrade to the standard WRX with a hefty power increase for the 2.0-liter flat-four. Developed during Subaru's racing program for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, the new mill is not only more powerful, but boasts improved fuel efficiency as well. Rounding up the package is a slightly revised skin and a unique interior along with upgraded steering and additional safety features. Read on to find out what makes the WRX S4 a truly unique machine.

Click past the jump to read more about the Subaru WRX S4.

Subaru WRX S4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 25 August 2014 16:20 EST.

Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S Earns IIHS 2014 Top Safety Pick

The IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) has just recently awarded the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S its coveted "Top Safety Pick" designation. It scored a "good" in the front moderate overlap, side impact, rear impact and roof crush, and an "Acceptable" in the small overlap test. The real surprise there is the small overlap, as that's a very difficult crash to survive. This makes the BRZ the seventh Subaru model to earn the Top Safety Pick award and Scion's second. This isn't that surprising though; Subaru has always been a symbol of safety.

Also rear-wheel drive makes it easier to implement good impact and crumple zones in the front, due to the lack of drivetrain equipment up there. This is very good news, as the BRZ and FR-S are two of just a few true, rear-wheel drive sports cars out there and they are arguably the best ones at their price point. With their accurate steering and nimble chassis, the BRZ and FR-S are tail happy hooligans at any speed. Add the Top Safety Pick on top of that and you've got an excellent little car.

Click past the jump to read more about the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S.

Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S Earns IIHS 2014 Top Safety Pick originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 7 August 2014 08:00 EST.

Subaru BRZ STI

Posted on 08.5.2013 10:00 by
Simona

Ever since Subaru dropped the new BRZ onto the market, we knew that an even hotter STI version was sure to follow. Now, British magazine AutoExpress is offering a few details on this new model, set to arrive sometime next year.

The future BRZ STI will feature a more powerful version of the current 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder 'boxer' engine. The output will be raised up to somewhere in the 250-horsepower area (an addition of about 50 horsepower), thanks to the modifications made to the engine's variable valve control system. That will also allow for an even higher rev limit of around 7,500rpm with the help of a new freer-flowing exhaust.

Next to the extra power, the new STI will also be even lighter than the standard BRZ. It will also be distinguished by a dramatic bodykit, a stiffened and lowered suspension, lighter but larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded brakes.

One downside to the BRZ STI is that there will be no turbocharged version offered. Subaru says there is no space for it in the engine bay and they are reserving these version for models like the WRX STI.

When the BRZ STI does debut, Subaru would have taken the next step in their playful game of one-ups-man-ship. What say you, Toyota?

UPDATE 10/23/2012: Just a few days ago, Subaru unveiled a Subaru BRZ equipped with STI upgrades at the 2012 Australian Motor Show in Sydney. We knew this wasn't this wasn't the real Subaru BRZ STI deal, but it confirmed the fact that great things were going to be coming from Subaru in the near future.

Now we hear that Subaru is preparing a turbocharged direct-injection version of the horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the standard BRZ. This engine will feature a single twin-scroll turbocharger and straight direct-injection developed in-house and not the DI/port-injection system developed in cooperation with Toyota.

This engine could deliver up to 280 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, transforming the upcoming BRZ STI into a real competitor in the sports car market. (AutoNews)

UPDATE 08/05/2013: Subaru unveiled today the first teaser image for the upcoming BRZ STI, which will make its world debut later this fall, either at the Frankfurt Motor Show or in Tokyo.

Click past the jump to read more about the upcoming Subaru BRZ STI.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Subaru BRZ Race Car by Possum Bourne Motor Sport

The 2012 Australian Motor Show has been a pleasant surprise to us, largely because of the number of models that made their debuts Down Under.

One vehicle that caught our eye comes from Subaru and what appears to be a partnership with New Zealand-based racing outfit Possum Bourne Motor Sport involving the BRZ.

The BRZ Race Car was customized to be a club-level race car and comes in three track-ready packages. For the entry-level package, the features include a number of carbon fiber parts, including the mirror caps and the door panels, a full-on roll cage kit with Recaro motorsport seats, Sabelt six-point harness, and fuel system modifications.

The second package comes with more added components. First, there’s the new set of 18" Enkei lightweight wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R motorsport tires. From there, PBMS also added driveline and suspension modifications, highlighted by a new Cusco height and damper adjustable coil over suspension system. There’s also a brake package that includes AP front and rear rotors and calipers and an STI handbrake, as well as an electrical kit that comes with wiring and circuit breakers. Last but not least, lightweight battery Recaro winged-HANS seats round out the upscale package for the BRZ race car.

Then there’s the third option, which includes a complete performance parts package, including engine and gearbox enhancements, all of which catered to the customer’s unique requirements.

Talking about the car, Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: "We're delighted to display the PBMS BRZ motorsport project car. This car will take the BRZ thrill to a whole new level for those that want some serious trackwork."

"From day one we have always imagined the BRZ would appeal to the 'weekend warriors' - people who enjoy club level motorsport activities. PBMS has developed packages that will appeal to these enthusiasts."

Clearly.

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