With the 2013 Subaru BRZ and its cousin, the Toyota GT86, most of us always had one issue: a lack of power to match its potential. The new Subaru BRZ returns in 2022 to scratch that itch, and its certainly doesn’t disappoint. Aside from the engine, the interior and exterior are a level up as well.
It turns out that Doug DuMuro is a fan, too, having got his hands on one stateside. With defining features like Lexus ISF style fender vents, and a rear diffuser with twin exhausts, the new BRZ appears sportier and more muscular than its predecessor.
It’s available with 17-inch wheels and 18-inch limited edition wheels, with the option of high-performance rubber instead of the slide-friendly spec tires of its predecessor. Upgraded versions will be priced at $31,500 in the U.S., with the base model costing $29,000.
Read: We Drive The New 2022 Toyota 86
Starting with a redesigned car key, the interior upgrades keep the ethos of the BRZ but makes everything feel more modern to keep everyone happy. The gauge display is now digital, and enabling track mode displays a nifty aviation-style rev counter. A larger infotainment screen is available, including fixed switches for easy access, and for some reason, the Subaru can also remind you of birthdays and anniversaries.
The dash boasts a few buttons and knobs to fiddle with, as well as the expected USB and AUX sockets. One drawback is the lack of space in the back seats, which are usable as cargo space and are collapsible to increase trunk space.
Also Watch: Subaru Claims The 2022 BR-Z Is The World’s Lightest RWD 2+2 Sports Car
However, it’s the engine improvement that we’re most interested in. the BRZ swapped the 200hp 2-liter boxer four engine with a 2.4L boxer four that whips out 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm). While on the face of it, the power figures may not sound the best, that’s 15% more horsepower and 20% more torque than its antecedent and weighs only 20lb more. It’s quicker than the old car, with an estimated 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of about 6 seconds.
The 2022 BRZ comes in both an automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission. Perhaps Unsurprisingly (depends which way you look at it), 85% of the previous generation BRZs were purchased with a manual gearbox, and projections are that this model will be no different.
According to Doug, the new BRZ feels spry, eager, and certainly faster than the 2013 BRZ, thanks to the torque upgrade. Although the clutch stiffens a little at low speeds, it handles and steers superbly with Subaru performance under its skin, giving you the confidence to enjoy the car as you like.