The Next-Generation Subaru BRZ Already Had Its Best Month Ever

It looks like Subaru Corporation got it right with the second-generation 2022 BRZ sports coupe. In its first entire month after arriving in the U.S., the next-generation BRZ just pulled off its best month ever. Subaru of America reports the all-new BRZ rear-drive sports coupe sold 1,069 models in December.

Subaru gave the BRZ a new 2.4-liter Boxer engine upgrade over the outgoing 2.0-liter engine, but it's not turbocharged. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The BRZ gets a nice bump in power from the outgoing 2.0-liter's 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.

Why didn't Subaru give BRZ a turbocharged engine?

Subaru took some heat for not giving the BRZ a turbocharged powerplant. Still, Dominick Infante, Subaru Director, Corporate Communications, told Road and Track, the non-turbocharged engine was critical in preserving the sports car's low center of gravity, keeping it lightweight, and continuing its affordability.

It was a good move as driving enthusiasts liked the performance of the new BRZ. Subaru of America's Car Line Planning Manager, Todd Hill, said at the launch that the BRZ sports coupe is already perfectly balanced with the boxer engine sitting low in the chassis, and a turbo would change it.

It's not about sales volume for the BRZ

Subaru doesn't sell a lot of the BRZ, and 2,267 sales in 2020 account for just 0.37 percent of Subaru of America's sales. Michael Redic, the BRZ's line manager at Subaru of America, told Automotive News it's not about volume. He says, "This vehicle has been very successful in capturing new customers and bringing excitement to the brand."

Subaru has sold nearly 43,000 first-generation BRZs since its inception. The sports coupe is their only vehicle for a good percentage of BRZ owners. According to data presented by Subaru, roughly 18 percent of BRZ drivers own no other car.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ is affordable

With a starting price of less than $30,000, the BRZ is significantly less than the industry's average transaction price of $45,743 in TrueCar's December forecast. For owners of the BRZ who use it as their daily driver, it's an affordable new car choice for driving enthusiasts. Redic said, "The BRZ is fun. We want something that has a low center of gravity, a pure sports car, very lightweight, and it's more about the joy of driving."

He said BRZ's target customers are "young and spirited," with a median age of 34. About 81 percent are male, and half are married. BRZ's customers are into active adventures, sports, and social activities.

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 2022 Subaru BRZ rear-drive sports coupe is already a big hit with sports car enthusiasts. In its first entire month in the U.S.the, next-generation BRZ already scored its best month ever.

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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 USA