Subaru Unveils BRZ in Tokyo

A few days ago we covered the unveiling of the Toyota GT-86, formerly known as the FT-86, and Subaru has now unveiled its own version of the platform with a special little surprise for racing fans. 

The Subaru BRZ is basically identical to the GT-86. It has the same 2.0 liter, direct-injected boxer four-cylinder engine making 200hp and 205Nm of torque with a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is basically identical as well. The front bumper and air dam have slightly different styling, and there are air outlets on the front fenders near the door. The headlights have the same shape, but the BRZ seems to lack the day-time running lights from the GT-86. 

The interior also seems quite similar. The gauges are layed out in the same manner as the GT-86 with the tachometer in the center, speedometer to the left and coolant temperature and fuel level on the right. Despite being just being silver plastic, the BRZ's silver plastic trim makes the interior look brighter. 

Subaru calls the BRZ a "pure handling delight" due to the car's low center of gravity thanks to the boxer engine. Subaru says that the BRZ weighs 1220kg (2690lbs).

Comparing the specifications, it looks like the BRZ sits slightly higher than the GT-86. Toyota says that the GT-86 sits 1.28m high, whereas Subaru says that the BRZ sits 1.3m high. Other than that, the two cars have the same dimensions. 

Subaru is giving racing fans one little surprise with the BRZ. The car will compete in next year's Super GT Series in the 300GT category. Subaru has competed in the category with the Legacy in the past, and it should be great to see the BRZ on the track.