The all-new, rear-wheel drive 2022 Subaru BRZ sports car made its Global Debut 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. Running counter to the current trend of power over precision, the 2022 Subaru BRZ focuses on simplicity and fun. Designed to deliver an unmatched driving experience, the all-new BRZ features a new and more powerful 228 horsepower 2.4-liter horizontally opposed engine. The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine 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. But for the 2022 model year, the BRZ features more power, better handling, improved styling, a 50-percent increase in torsional stiffness and a modern interior.
Featuring a bespoke chassis, the BRZ takes full advantage of its ultra-low center of gravity and high-strength body structure. With a 101.4-inch wheelbase and near perfect weight distribution, the 2022 Subaru BRZ is nimble and easy to control. 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. For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) traction and stability system offers the driver five different settings.
For 2022, the Subaru BRZ features a new interior with every detail focused on the driver. A new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard is the focal point with the tachometer front and center featuring an integrated digital speedometer readout. To the left of the tachometer is a programmable meter that can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-meter, once again emphasizing the BRZ’s performance capability. The overall cabin design is contemporary and modular with improved driver amenities. The 8-inch infotainment touch screen takes precedence in the center stack and features the latest SUBARU STARLINK™ multimedia systems, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android ™ Auto, as well as Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, rear vision camera and SiriusXM® services. Limited trims feature telematics and vehicles equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The BRZ seating position is low, but features excellent sight lines due to use of high strength steel in the A, B and C -pillars, keeping them thin but strong.
Despite its sporting intentions, the 2022 Subaru BRZ does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality. 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. The aggressive design flows into bold front fenders with a large side vent. The functional side vent reduces drag by ducting air from under the hood and fenders. The released air is directed to a side sill spoiler that creates downforce at speed. A small fin at the back of the rear-wheel arch also assists in airflow adding stability at speed. The BRZ’s bold new styling is as impressive as its handling prowess. The overall impression is modern, agile and powerful, with focused and functional aerodynamic details. The tidy coupe design is just over an inch longer and almost half an inch lower than its predecessor, resulting in a low and wide frontal area set off by large functional air intakes. Production of the Subaru BRZ will be at Subaru’s Gunma, Japan assembly plant. The BRZ will go on sale early fall of 2021.
