- Subaru develops a turbocharged AWD BRZ for the All Japan Rally.
- The coupe gains a widebody kit and a raised ground clearance.
- Newly established “Sports Vehicle Planning Office” leads the project.
For years, Subaru fans have been asking for a more serious, more powerful BRZ, something with real bite to match its balance. That wish has now been granted, though not quite in the way most had in mind. Rather than a road-going STI version with extra muscle, the turbocharged BRZ has emerged as a purpose-built rally car, complete with all-wheel drive and developed specifically for the All Japan Rally Championship.
The wildest BRZ yet was teased at Mobility Resort Motegi during the opening round of the Super Taikyu series. Alongside the WRX-based HyPerfX2 racing hatchback, it marks one of the first projects from Subaru’s new Sports Vehicle Planning Office, which is set to be established on April 1.
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The rally-prepped model features an increased ground clearance, wide fender extensions, and a fixed rear wing. It also rides on grippy tires and benefits from a significantly increased ground clearance.
Other updates include a hood scoop, a new front bumper with a slightly larger grille, a vented hood, and a redesigned rear end. Based on the single teaser released by Subaru officials, we created a speculative rendering that adds the iconic Subaru livery, with yellow and white graphics over the classic World Rally Blue bodywork.
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Technical details remain under wraps, but Subaru has confirmed that the BRZ rally car will feature a turbocharged engine and an AWD system. Since the road-going coupe is rear-wheel drive, it will be interesting to see whether this setup is borrowed from the outgoing WRX-based rally sedan.
That approach would make financial sense, reducing R&D costs, much like the strategy behind the HyPerfX2 racing car, which also rides on WRX underpinnings and uses existing components.
スバル、BRZベースの水平対向ターボ4WDを全日本ラリーに投入 pic.twitter.com/CHtxWzDgbN
— Car Watch (@car_watch) March 21, 2026
Teaser Car Watch
As reported by Japanese outlet Car Watch, the BRZ rally car is expected to enter the All Japan Rally Championship midway through the current season, with veteran Japanese driver Toshihiro Arai behind the wheel.
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More details should emerge in the coming months. At this stage, Subaru hasn’t said a word about a roadgoing version of this rally machine, but we hope they’re at least considering it.
Keep in mind that Toyota has also explored a similar idea, building a turbo AWD version of the GR 86 as a one-off rally-inspired concept for the 2024 SEMA Show. That car borrowed the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine and GR-Four AWD system from the GR Corolla hot hatchback, and wore a Celica-inspired livery.
