The 2022 Subaru BRZ hits U.S. shores this fall. Check out five cool insights into how Subaru made the new sports coupe.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ is close to its dealer launch in the U.S. as it arrives this fall. Here are five insights into how the all-new second-generation 2022 BRZ was made.
What does the BRZ name mean?
The 2022 Subaru BRZ is manufactured in Gunma, Japan, alongside the Toyota GR86. What does the BRZ name stand for? BRZ is derived from "Boxer engine," "Rear-wheel drive," and "Zenith," which means something powerful and successful.
Subaru says designing the next-generation BRZ had countless challenges as they developed the lightest, most aerodynamic, lowest center of gravity version yet. The next-generation BRZ gets a new non-turbocharged FA24 Boxer engine.
The first-ever 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine
Subaru says they took the FA24 Boxer engine and learned from the EJ25 powerplant used in the WRX STI. They needed to improve the new engine that will power all its sports cars now. Subaru engineers used numerous data that enhanced durability and reliability. One improvement was made by changing the connecting rod shape.
They also raised the combustion efficiency "to the utmost limit." Subaru says the new FA24 Boxer reaches maximum torque, about 18 percent higher than before at 3700 rpm, and "blew up" to 7500 rpm "with a comfortable sound without breathing."
A lower center of gravity
Subaru uses a form of the Subaru Global Platform but says the sports coupe couldn't share the same frame as a mass-produced car. The BRZ achieves optimum weight distribution of 53:47 with two people on board. They replaced the old hood and roof to make this happen.
Subaru uses aluminum to make the BRZ lighter
The 2022 BRZ now has an aluminum hood which helps lower the center of gravity. But the new aluminum roof was the biggest challenge. Each BRZ aluminum roof has to be joined to the body by hand one by one and now achieves a center of gravity height of 4mm.
Increased stiffness and rigidity
The new BRZ body has been stiffened to increase the lateral bending rigidity of the front and improve load transmission. The frame at the rear adopts an annular structure to increase the torsional rigidity.
Furthermore, the support rigidity of the steering gearbox and the rigidity of the front and rear suspension, and the rear stabilizer mounting have been increased.
Improved handling
As a result, the ground contact of the rear tires near the limit lateral G was improved, and the handling feeling was sharpened to the point that "the more you can read the movement ahead, the more the car is in your hand."
What is the price of the 2022 Subaru BRZ?
The new 2022 Subaru BRZ Premium with a 6-speed manual gearbox has a starting price of $28,955. BRZ Premium with an automatic transmission starts at $30,555. The Limited (6-speed manual) has a starting MSRP of $31,455. The Limited with an automatic transmission starts at $33,255. All pricing includes destination and delivery fees.
The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ arrives this fall for U.S. customers. We can't wait to get our hands on one.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru