Subaru Announces 7 New Upgrades For 2017 BRZ

The new 2017 Subaru BRZ begins arriving this fall and will come with seven new upgrades. It features improved performance and added horsepower, a new performance package, new exterior design, updated interior, standard LED headlights and taillights and a new track mode. It’s still a first-generation model.

This isn’t a full redesign for the BRZ sports coupe, it’s a refresh before the new second-generation model shows up sometime in 2018. But the changes are significant and should push the rear-drive sports car even higher on the fun-to-drive meter. Here’s a breakdown of all the changes.

Improved performance and handling

Subaru engineers improved responsiveness, stability and comfort by updating the coil springs and dampers as well as BRZ getting a larger rear stabilizer bar. Subaru added reinforcements to the chassis and strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate and the rear wheel housings to increase BRZ’s rigidity. The stability control system thresholds are raised to further improve handing. Subaru says the results are dramatic enough, they changed the name of “Sport” mode to “Track”.

Added horsepower

The 2.0-liter engine remains naturally aspirated. There’s no turbo model for 2017. But the BRZ powerplant gets several internal updates for friction reduction including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads. Accompanied with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, the engine output in models with the 6-speed manual transmission is increased to 205hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. Subaru says acceleration will improve on 6-speed manual models with a new lower final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1. It’s mated with the standard Torsen limited-slip differential.

A new performance package

Subaru now offers the Performance Package on the the 2017 BRZ. The Performance Package is available on the Limited model with the 6-speed gearbox and includes Brembo calipers and larger rotors on both front and rear brakes for better stopping power. Subaru says the advanced braking system gives BRZ a significant boost in stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. The package also includes SACHS Performance shock absorbers on all four corners for improved ride and corning stability. Also included in the package are special 17-in x 7.5-in black aluminum alloy wheels.

New exterior design

Subaru tweaked the outside styling and BRZ gets a redesigned front bumper cover with a widened appearance and positioned lower for improved aerodynamics, control, and stability. All trims now come with an aluminum rear spoiler in matching body color and black finish. Subaru says it will improve the vehicle’s downforce improving stability and control. Also the rear garnish above the license plate has a new design that comes standard on both trims. The Premium and Limited models get a new 10-spoke, 17-in aluminum alloy wheel with a high-contract black with machine finish.

Updated interior

BRZs cockpit also gets updated. Limited models get a 4.2-in LCD multifunction display positioned to the right of the tach. The 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 stop watch for recording lap times.

The steering wheel has been redesigned with new audio controls and multifunction display switches and Subaru says has a “sportier feel.” Paddle shift control switches are also standard on BRZ Limited with the optional automatic transmission. Limited model interior upgrades also include a wrapped meter visor, updated HVAC control panel updated, and “BRZ” embroidered in red on the front seatbacks.

Standard LED headlights and taillights

The sport coupe’s signature C-shaped headlights are upgraded to “kono-ji” style LED for improved light output and reduced power consumption. This new full-LED design, a first for Subaru, incorporates the turn signal and position light. New Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are standard equipment on all trims. The fog lights have converted to LED for greater nighttime visibility. The taillights have also been updated to full-LED.

The newly refreshed 2017 Subaru BRZ still comes in Premium and Limited trims. The Premium and Limited models will begin arriving in showrooms in September. The Limited with the new Performance Package will arrive Winter 2017. Subaru hasn’t released pricing or fuel-mileage specs. Subaru says another announcement for BRZ will be coming soon. Stay tuned.

Source: Subaru

Image source: Subaru