Toyota have revealed the list of changes they’re planning on implementing on their new 86 coupe, revised for the 2017 model year, but that called into question exactly what Subaru will bring to its twin, the BRZ.
To sum up, the BRZ will gain some styling tweaks for that added aggressive flair, slightly more power, a new track mode that sharpens up the driving experience and some proper nuts-and-bolts upgrades to refine the car overall.
Concerning that final point, a larger stabiliser bar has been added, as have been upgraded coil springs and dampers, new tower braces and transmission cross member. The stability control system has been reprogrammed to allow a higher limit of slip before intervention, and Subaru has renamed Sport mode to Track mode to prove they really do mean it.
Revisions have also been made to the BRZ’s 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder boxer engine to produce 153kW and 211Nm of torque. Acceleration has been a improved too by the final drive ratio to 4.3:1 from 4.1:1.
A new front bumper, LED headlights, LED tail lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels set the 2017 BRZ apart from the outgoing model, at least on the outside. Inside, meanwhile, there is a 6.2-inch multifunction display showing all the pertinent vehicle parameters.
Subaru have also fitted the new BRZ with the newest version of its Starlink infotainment system, wherein it provides Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free smartphone operation, satellite radio, navigation, and rear view camera.
We don’t quite know exactly when Subaru Australia is looking to introduce the revised BRZ but we expect it to arrive on our shores some time within 2016, possibly even before Q4.
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