Bolder Design: 2017 Subaru BRZ Coupe
With a nod to the legendary SVX coupe of the late 1980’s, Subaru has introduced the comprehensively revised BRZ for 2017, giving its rear-drive sports car improved handling, increased performance, more aggressive styling and new convenience features. These enhancements reinforce the company’s mission of offering enthusiasts a pure sports car driving experience.
Available in Premium and Limited trim levels, power for the Subaru coupe is generated by a revised FA-Series 2.0L four-cylinder Boxer engine. Torque is communicated to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, downshift blipping control and steering wheel paddles is an available option. The revised engine delivers more low-end and midrange torque than before, and, combined with the new 4.30:1 axle ratio (vs. 4.10 before) in the Torsen® limited-slip differential, delivers quicker acceleration and enhanced responsiveness.
Already renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, the BRZ offers several updates to increase its performance on the road and track. Updated coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar delivers improved responsiveness, stability and comfort. Additional reinforcements added to the strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate and the rear wheel housings increase vehicle rigidity. The stability control system thresholds were raised to further improve handling, with the results significant enough for Subaru to change the name of Sport mode to Track.
Based on the BRZ Limited equipped with the new Performance Package, the BRZ Series.Yellow is the most exciting BRZ yet. Limited to 500 cars, the BRZ Series.Yellow is immediately recognizable by its brilliant yellow exterior, unique black alloy wheels, black BRZ and SUBARU badging, and black foldable exterior mirrors. The Series.Yellow features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting yellow stitching throughout the interior including seats, door and dash panels, steering wheel, knee pads and shifter boot. The front seatbacks are embroidered with a yellow BRZ logo, and the carpeted floor mats feature yellow stitching and a silver embroidered BRZ logo.
Inside the passenger cabin, Subaru also applied key updates to the cockpit. New for the Limited model is a 4.2-in LCD multifunction display positioned to the right of the prominent tachometer. This driver information readout provides access to vehicle performance including lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temperature, and battery voltage as well as an integrated stopwatch for recording lap times. The redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel has a firmer, sportier feel along with new audio controls and multifunction display switches for greater control and convenience while driving. Interior upgrades to the Limited also include a wrapped instrument cluster visor, updated climate control panel, and “BRZ” embroidered in red on the front seatbacks.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 166.7; width: 69.9; height: 50.6
All vehicle measurements are in inches
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 205 hp at 7,000 rpm and 156 lbs-ft of torque at 6,400 rpm (manual); 200 hp at 7,000 rpm and 151 lbs-ft of torque at 6,400 rpm (automatic).
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/29 highway (manual); 24 city/33 highway (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 6.9 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, incline start assist, Torsen limited-slip differential, traction control, vehicle stability control, navigation system, automatic high-intensity discharge headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system and engine immobilizer. Limited adds LED fog lights, keyless entry, push-button engine start and security system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Subaru BRZ starts from $25,495 for the Premium and $27,645 for the Limited. Destination charges add $820.
