IMPRESSED OR DEPRESSED? 2022 Subaru BRZ Debuts But Is 228 Horsepower Enough?

IMPRESSED OR DEPRESSED? 2022 Subaru BRZ Debuts But Is 228 Horsepower Enough?
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.

2022 Subaru BRZ Photo Gallery


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.
 
Vehicle 2+2 sports car
Engine 4-cyl. horizontally opposed (Boxer), alloy cylinder block and cylinder heads
Displacement 2.4-liter
Bore x stroke 3.70 in. x 3.39 in (94mm x 86mm)
Compression ratio 13.5:1
Horsepower 228 HP @ 7,000 RPM
Torque 184 lb.-ft. @ 3,700 RPM
Fuel system Toyota D-4S® direct fuel injection and port injection system
Valvetrain Double overhead chain-driven camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) controls valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts
Transmission Standard: 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 control Vehicle Stability Control with traction control and five settings
Suspension 4-wheel independent
Front: MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear: Double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Wheels 17-inch aluminum alloy on Premium
18-inch aluminum alloy on Limited
Tires 215/45 R17 87W Premium
215/40 R18 85Y Limited
 
Brakes 4-wheel ventilated disc
Exterior Dimensions (in.)  
Wheelbase 101.4 (plus .02 inch)
Length 167.9 (plus 1.2 inch from last generation)
 
Width 69.9 inches
Height 51.6 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.





































































































PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 11/18/2020 12:00:14 PM
+4 Boost
It is what it is. Its a reasonably priced feel good B road carver. Fits within Subaru model range, price points and image.


vdivvdiv - 11/19/2020 2:40:58 PM
+2 Boost
I am glad that this car exists even if it is unlikely most would ever even drive one. Wouldn't take it for granted these days.


1lostVW1lostVW - 11/18/2020 2:29:45 PM
0 Boost
Why?
Lacks a clear Subaru DNA visual design, shrinking and nearly non-existent demand for 2 door coupes. Do we look to Subaru for anemic "sports cars"? strange addition to the lineup, it is not a remade sedan in coupe form. low sales, vanity project for some brain dead middle manager at Subaru.


mini22mini22 - 11/18/2020 3:26:49 PM
+4 Boost
I don't care about Subaru DNA. Its clearly Japanese. In side profile I see a little Lexus RF. Interior wise I see a little Lexus IS in dashboard architecture. I don't like the squared off infotainment screen though and I kind of liked the reverse grill of the mule car over this "happy face". The engine will not make this a fast car but now its no longer a slow car. Journalist road shotgun with Scott Speed driving already mention the extra power and balanced handling around a race track. That's what this car was always about. Now its better. I think its more Toyota now then Subaru but its still all Japanese. Not German like some other Jap sports car we know about.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/18/2020 5:16:27 PM
+1 Boost
Looks like Subaru and Nissan were sharing the same design studio at some point. There is a lot of 400z in the car. Especially from the front.


Tarzan91303Tarzan91303 - 11/18/2020 5:29:51 PM
+2 Boost
I like the rear spoiler. And the design does look like the scion of a 370Z and a Pontiac Crossfire. Overall it looks good enough to separate it from the FRS/86.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 11/18/2020 9:50:12 PM
+3 Boost
Thicker, Chunkier, maybe a nicer suit, not much more power... looks like it is moving into middle age.


mini22mini22 - 11/20/2020 1:25:47 AM
+1 Boost
But in a car weighing in at 2815 LBS 33 extra Lbs. of torque at 3700 RPM can make a significant difference. The current car makes 151 LBS of torque at 6000 RPM. This is a light car and weight is almost the same.


LexSucksLexSucks - 11/20/2020 2:46:11 PM
+1 Boost
The world's slowest sports-car.


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