The all-new, rear-wheel drive 2022 Subaru BRZ sports car made its Global Debut this week 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. For the 2022 model year, the BRZ features more power, better handling, improved styling, a 50-percent increase in torsional stiffness and a more driver-focused interior. 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.

Designed to deliver an unmatched driving experience, the all-new BRZ features a new and more powerful naturally-aspirated  228 horsepower 2.4-liter horizontally opposed engine that 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. For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control 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 or can be turned completely off to put the driver in full control.

The BRZ utilizes a high-strength body structure with a 101.4-inch wheelbase and near perfect weight distribution. 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.  Production of the Subaru BRZ will be at Subaru’s Gunma, Japan assembly plant. The BRZ will go on sale early fall of 2021.