Improved 2015 Subaru BRZ announced for Japan market

Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) maker of Subaru automobiles announced new improvements in the Japan 2015 BRZ. The improved sports coupe will be released in Japan on April 16, 2015. Subaru says three improvements have been made to the sports car. How will these upgrades affect ride quality on the sports coupe?

FHI says they made three improvements to the Japan model BRZ. They have improved ride quality, steering quality and enhanced the interior materials and there are new exterior colors. There are also new customization options for the R and S trim lines on the Japan model BRZ.

Improved ride quality

Subaru announced the BRZ sports coupe will get some reduced stiffness of the chassis that have improved the ride characteristics. The body of the electric power steering assist (EPAS) has also been tweaked to get improved steering feel over the previous model. The chassis upgrades should reduce “harshness” of the suspension and improve the daily driver comfort level of BRZ.

New cabin appointments

The cabin of the new BRZ will feature new decorative satin silver interior appointments on the steering wheel spokes and shift panel, as well as enhanced interior textures. Two new exterior colors, "Lapis Blue Pearl" and "Pure Red" are available for the first time.

New customization for R and S trim lines

The base R model BRZ will get a new "R Customize Package" that includes manual air conditioning, floor silencer, and now comes equipped with a trunk mat. Subaru says a wider range of customization is available that was previously limited to the motor sports RA Racing models.
The top grade "S" models gets more comfort and improved interior features like a new cruise control for “long drives”, new instrumental panel speakers, an 8-speaker system with additional power amplifier.

No engine upgrades for BRZ

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Performance fans are hoping for more performance improvements under the hood, but Subaru hasn’t touched the 2.0-liter boxer engine for 2015. It will still come with 200hp and 151 lb ft of torque. Two transmissions are available, the 6-speed manual gearbox and 6-speed automatic with paddles shifters.

BRZ is due for a model change and Yasuyuki Yoshinaga recently confirmed a new-generation Subaru BRZ is coming. He said, “The full-model change of the BRZ will happen, but we have not decided about other new projects. The BRZ is an important model for Subaru, so we will continue to develop the BRZ with Toyota.”

The first generation Subaru BRZ is a great drivers' car which was Subaru and Toyota’s goal all along. The rear-drive two-door sports coupe offers a great sports car design, low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering and it offers a low starting price. Interest has cooled and BRZ/FR-S sales have taken a nose dive here in the U.S. BRZ needs a refresh at minimum and changes to the powertrain could create new excitement for the sports coupe. The 2015 Subaru BRZ models are getting some improvements but will it be enough to create new interest in the sports coupe?