I'm glad to hear it is staying in production.
Haters are gonna hate.
We’ve heard it before: The Subaru BRZ doesn’t make enough horsepower.
Whenever the car and its near-twin from Scion come up, the internet is quick to pine: Why can’t it get a turbocharged engine like the WRX? And while we’re at it, why not make it all-wheel drive?
How’s this for a realistic answer? More power means more complexity, more weight and, of course, more expense, which would render the relatively simple, lightweight, affordable sportster into a different beast altogether.
Sometimes simple is better, even if that means giving up some power. It’s why so many motorsports greats aren’t exactly grandiose; think of the MGB, Honda CRX Si and, of course, the original Miata.
Subaru has upped performance bit for 2017 with their optional Performance Package, but it’s not going to appease those who wish the car made more power.
So who is the target audience for this car? Customers who understand what the BRZ represents and are looking for just a bit more “more.” That extra oomph mainly comes from bigger brakes and increased control.
The complete BRZ lineup gets a facelift for 2017. The outside receives a new front fascia, new alloy wheels and a new alloy spoiler. The headlights, taillights and foglights are now LED. Inside, the steering wheel gains audio control switches, while the gauge cluster gets a small screen that can display a range of stats: fuel economy, temperature and voltage, lateral g-loads, steering and throttle angle, brake force, torque and power curves, and even lap times.
One mechanical change will likely appeal to track and street drivers but fail to thrill autocrossers: The final-drive ratio drops from 4.10:1 to 4.30:1. That poses a dilemma for the autocross community: Practice those two-three shifts or move to a 26-inch-tall 245/45R17 tire? (The stock 215/45R17 tires measure 24.7 inches tall, while a 235/45R17 is only 24.4 inches tall.) We’ll need to do some testing (and math) before answering that one.
The engine fitted with the manual transmission receives some updates, too. The biggest change under the hood involves the red intake manifold: It’s now formed in aluminum instead of plastic, as aluminum allows for bigger ports. Plus, the engine block and pistons are stronger than before. More new items for 2017: buffed and polished valve stems, revised rocker arm pivots, a larger-diameter exhaust manifold, and a redesigned air cleaner box. Output and torque both go up 5 units, reaching 205 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 151 ft.-lbs. of torque at 6400.
Other changes for this model year? Slightly stiffer front springs, softer rear springs (10 percent, Subaru says), and a thicker rear anti-roll bar. The stability control thresholds increase, too, meaning less early intervention. The body itself becomes a bit stiffer, too. All of the updates for 2017 add about 20 pounds total.
The top story here is the availability of a Performance Package. It consists of three main elements: Brembo brakes, wider wheels and stiffer Sachs ZF dampers.
Some specifics: Those wheels measure 17x7.5 inches, meaning they’re half an inch wider than the standard pieces. The front brakes grow from 11.6 inches to 12.8, while the rears go from 11.4 inches to 12.5. (Subaru notes that the BRZ Performance Package brake rotor diameters match those of the WRX STI.)
The Performance Package adds another 20 pounds to the final tally. It also must be added to a Limited-spec car, bringing the final MSRP to $28,840.
We spent a day driving the BRZ Performance Package on the Circuito Guadix, a race venue you’ve likely never heard of. It’s located in Spain and is used for a lot of testing. What it lacks in fame it makes up for in a circuit that really tests your technique.
It’s not a horsepower course, with most of it run in third and fourth gear. In other words, it’s the perfect playground for a BRZ—or a Miata or something similar.
The BRZ with the Performance Package isn’t going to sway over its detractors. It doesn’t transform the car; it only raises the limits a bit.
It’s not a substitute for an STI, Corvette or Hellcat. It won’t spin the tires in third gear. It won’t pop a big flame or win a horsepower brag-off.
It’s a car that rewards patience and tidy lines. The power comes on smoothly and predictably. Visibility is really good. The seats are supportive. Pedal placement is excellent. The gauges are great. The shifter and transmission feel perfect.
It won’t let you mask a mistake with horsepower. Instead, it forces you to concentrate on your lines and braking markers.
Our test cars were reliable, too. Subaru had about a dozen cars at the launch. We drove them through the mountains, pushed them on track, and then returned them home—all without a mechanic or spare part in sight. The brakes never faded during our testing, either, and no cars limped into the pits with smoking brakes, cranky engines or warning lights ablaze.
For those who get it, this is a great track companion.
And for those who hate it? Like we said, haters are gonna hate.
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I'm glad to hear it is staying in production.
Just to be clear: If we think it needs more power, we "don't get it" ? I think we get it more than any BRZ apologist does. The car is good, but could be better with a bit more oomph. Most agree with this sentiment, barring jort and funny hat wearing Auto-X purists. The original unmodified Miata is a bore to drive if we can be honest, so that feels like an appropriate comparison, actually.
I'm glad to see they finally put a decent set of wheels on the car. The earlier ones are so ugly.
thebigchill wrote: Just to be clear: If we think it needs more power, we "don't get it" ? I think we get it more than any BRZ apologist does. The car is good, but could be better with a bit more oomph. Most agree with this sentiment, barring jort and funny hat wearing Auto-X purists. The original unmodified Miata is a bore to drive if we can be honest, so that feels like an appropriate comparison, actually.
what you are saying is - the BRZ would have plenty of power if it were only released in 1989 and not in 2012 when sub 250 hp motors are regulated to base model cars.
Here's my math in rough numbers.
An original CRX or GTI or Miata or MR2 weighed about 2000 pounds and made about 100 horsepower. The BRZ weighs about 2800 pounds and makes 200 horsepower. Yes, we always want more, but looking at some past favorites, the BRZ compares favorably. There is some throwback math in here. I'm cool with that.
MadScientistMatt wrote: I'm glad to hear it is staying in production.
You know, that is probably the big win here. Subaru is selling all of the Outbacks they can, and they just celebrated 61 consecutive months of growth. The fact they continue to build this niche vehicle is pretty impressive, especially as they have faster cars in the fleet.
You don't need to point back 25 years to the original Miata. The current one is also light with relatively low power levels. You know, dull and boring. Everyone knows that 
I'm glad they're still making it. I just hope they continue to until I can afford to buy another one - I loved my FR-S.
Thing is there are always going to be people wanting more HP.
I remember with the S2000 how many times people said 240HP wasnt enough and it should have come with 300-350HP.
The BRZ competes against the latest Mustangs and Camaros, along with the Challenger, Genesis Coupe and even the 370Z. I've not driven any of these, but on paper, the BRZ trails the pack. Most shoppers aren't test driving all of a target model's competition either, so without time behind the wheel a lot of people may completely miss why this car shines.
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