Better aero & suspension tuning, but no powertrain updates to report.
Subaru has unveiled its MY2019 BRZ sports car for its local market of Japan, throwing a variety of small updates at the famously driver-rewarding sports car that purportedly improve driver engagement. Nearing on 7-years since it first debuted, the BRZ remains largely unchanged from when it launched, but the Toyota-Subaru jointly-developed product has been subject to small changes with every model year, sharpening its appeal to its target audience.
For the 2019 update, Subaru’s focused predominantly on aerodynamics. New fins at the rear smooth airflow out back, improving downforce marginally without compromising on drag coefficient. Delving further into the nitty-gritty, Subaru’s also revised the suspension & damper tuning to deliver greater control and stability, which should make the BRZ feel more agile and responsive to driver input.
The more focused BRZ RA-Racing variant, which is only available in Japan, also sports a modified roll bar and new seatbelts, in addition to the aerodynamic and suspension changes.
There’s been no fettling under the bonnet, so the 2.0-litre flat-four Boxer engine continues to put out a familiar 152kW and 212Nm, with power going exclusively to the rear wheels though a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox, or an optional 6-speed manual. Prices in Japan start at ¥2.48-million (or about $31,330) before taxes for he entry-level BRZ-R, while a flagship BRZ STI-Sport with an auto ‘box will set you back ¥3.325-million (or just over $42,000) before taxes.
If you’d rather have a Toyota badge on the nose, the (other) Japanese firm’s already updated its version, the Toyota 86, replete with an updated TRD special edition flagship. That car sports proper performance-focused kit like SACHS dampers, 18-inch alloys with Michelin PilotSport4 rubber, and even Brembo brakes, though there’s little chance that’s ever going to get here…
For the best deals on a new Subaru or a new Toyota, check out our Showroom.
