Subaru BRZ Concept Revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show

Subaru’s new BRZ coupe will only be available with a normally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive.

Speaking at today’s Frankfurt motor show, Subaru’s product planning chief and BRZ development head Toshio Masuda said the BRZ would be offered with a sole engine option: a direct-injection 2.0-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, codenamed ‘FA’. He also said it would produce “less than 300bhp” and gearbox options would be six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.

Masuda also revealed the Subaru BRZ, which will go into production alongside its co-developed Toyota FT-86 sibling in spring 2012, would be one of the lightest and shortest cars [less than 1300mm] cars in its class, and would have the lowest centre of gravity of any rear-drive sports car on the market.

Despite Toyota showing its concept version of the coupe almost two years ago, Subaru insists the Toyota is a version of the Subaru and the smaller Japanese firm has led chassis and engine development throughout.

Masuda said the BRZ, which will be shown in final production form at November’s Tokyo motor show, will sport a completely different styling direction to the new Impreza seen at last year’s LA motor show. Expect to see strong familiarities with the Toyota FT-86, with subtle changes at the front and rear for the Subaru.

The BRZ will reach UK showrooms in summer 2012. A convertible version has been considered, but is not currently planned. The BRZ’s engine is not destined for any other Subarus.

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