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by Brian Wong
One of the most enduring automotive arguments since the Subaru BRZ’s debut for the 2012 model year has been whether it needs more power. The good qualities of the coupe have never been questioned; it has always been fun to drive with great balance and integrated steering. But the “what if it had a turbocharger?” the demand persisted.
The redesigned BRZ 2022 will come with a new engine, but without a turbocharger. We’re just glad the BRZ has a second generation rather than following the dodo route.
New engine, same tricks
As anticipated, the 2022 BRZ gets a larger engine with a new 2.4-liter flat-4 that replaces the outgoing model’s 2.0-liter flat-4. Power increases to 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from the old car’s 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet. Perhaps more importantly, access to that torque should be easier, with the new engine reaching maximum torque at 3,700rpm instead of the 6,700rpm previously required. However, the maximum power is still not reached up to 7,000 rpm.
Subaru has a 2.4-liter flat 4 turbo in its range that lives in the Ascent, but as much as I would have liked to see that engine in the BRZ there’s no indication that that’s going to happen for now. Sin.
Transmission choices still include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic that comes with a new Sport mode. That mode features automatic rpm matching to downshifts and uses yaw sensors to maintain a lower gear during tough cornering, which will help keep the engine in power and prevent gear changes from breaking the chassis mid-turn.
This powertrain upgrade won’t satiate enthusiasts who have clamored for the BRZ and its sister Toyota 86 to offer forced induction. Subaru hinted that the problem is cost. There are those (including this author) who would be inclined to pay more if that meant getting a more responsive engine to match the car’s driving prowess, but that’s not the direction Subaru has decided to go.
Subaru BRZ of 2022
Toyota stylistic DNA
At first glance, the style doesn’t look much different. It still carries the same proportions as the front engine and rear wheel drive with a long hood and short tail. But a longer look at the car reveals that the wrapping around it has changed to give it some differentiation.
At the front, it has new and functional side air intakes that channel the air from under the hood and the fenders to the side sill spoilers on both sides. Those side sills add some needed definition to the sides of the BRZ and curve into the widened rear track. The rear is highlighted by a duck tail spoiler that evokes the vibrations of the Toyota Supra. The BRZ’s ‘double bubble’ cabin only reinforces the comparison and we wouldn’t be surprised to see both styling features make their appearance on the next generation Toyota 86.
The overall size has shifted only slightly. The wheelbase grows to 101.4 inches (an increase of 0.2 inches), the overall length has increased by just under an inch to 167.9 inches, and the height has decreased by about half an inch to 51.6 inches.
Subaru BRZ of 2022
Chassis and suspension
Subaru claims that the BRZ’s center of gravity has shifted even lower and the car has “near perfect” weight distribution. The suspension has more or less the same equipment, with front MacPherson struts and rear double wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar, but Subaru made no mention of the Sachs shock absorbers that came with the Performance Package and on the previous generation special editions. Our guess is that some sort of upgraded shock absorber will debut when the new BRZ debuts in its tS version or another performance variant.
A limited slip differential is still standard and wheel sizes have increased from 17 to 18 inches on Limited models. Subaru has not disclosed the size of the brakes or whether Brembo ventilated discs will be offered on the new car.
The chassis is stiffer thanks to the reinforcements in multiple areas, and Subaru claims a 50% increase in torsional stability, providing sharper cornering and increased front-end responsiveness, two areas that were already BRZ strengths. According to preliminary data, these reinforcements and the move to a larger engine didn’t add much weight to the car. The BRZ Limited models have a curb weight of 2,835 pounds with the manual gearbox and 2,881 pounds with the automatic, a weight gain of 37 and 41 pounds respectively.
Subaru has also updated the traction / stability control system, which has been redesigned with five different settings. Subaru says the new system “will allow more input from the driver before activating the traction system.” Translation: the more it comes. The system can also be turned off completely by holding the drive mode and traction control buttons behind the shifter for those wishing to completely remove the electronic nannies.
Subaru BRZ of 2022
Family interior
The updated interior maintains the same look and feel, with changes that include the gauge cluster. It now features a 7-inch digital display, with a tachometer that takes up most of the buildings. Put the BRZ into Track mode and the cluster of gauges turns into a horizontal graph making it easier to see RPM at a glance. The multimedia screen has grown an inch to 8.0 inches and some of the climate controls have changed positions.
Any real judgment on the BRZ 2022 will have to wait until we can get behind the wheel. While we’re still hoping for a turbocharger, it doesn’t seem likely. Instead, it appears that Subaru has updated the BRZ to push the car’s strengths even further. If the new engine’s torque is more accessible, it may be enough for buyers who wanted more power.
Information on pricing and fuel economy has yet to be disclosed for BRZ 2022. Wait for it to go on sale early fall next year.
Subaru provided accommodation and a lap with a professional driver both to remind the author of his lack of talent and to bring you this preview.
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