2017 Subaru BRZ new car reviews

Quoting Tom: "The internet has doled out a lot of, well, internet onto the BRZ"

I know this is beating a dead horse, but it does need a turbo variant. Preferably when the second-generation car comes out with better F/R weight distribution. The engine is only 2 cylinders long, and it's 55/45?! But seriously, it is not unreasonable to think that Subaru could sell a turbo version with 275HP and better springs and brake calipers for under $33k. Heck, if the WRX is only $1k more than this, and the STI sells for mid-30s while having two extra differentials to upgrade as well as the AWD electronics to go with it, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a similar but less-complex jump in specs for a similar-or-slightly-less jump in price. A WRX engine, WRX brakes, STI/SPT springs/shocks from the factory, and bingo. A 275HP sub-3000-lb car for low $30k's... It would trump the Miata performance-wise and be close to 370Z territory, if not level with it (and the Cayman). The only worry I think is that they are dealing with a small market, and too close to $35k, you're creeping into base Mustang GT/Camaro SS territory.

You can turbo a base BRZ for the theoretical $4-5k difference, but then you're looking at lots more power and no money left for brakes or spring/shock combo. There is no 275-300HP turbo kits because the cost to do that isn't much less than the 350-400HP kits. The factory can do it cheaper, especially since it is basically swapping Legos to them.

The engines in the twins do not have any margin for increased loads. Fine if you want to self warranty, but without a completely different engine, it would not work.

By the time all the incremental upgrades were made, the result would be a car that weighed as much as theHyundai and yet still lacked the hp to compete in the porker class.

The value proposition for the twins is light weight and the ensuing chassis dynamics . If that is not something that you value over surplus power, it is not the car for you.

There have been rumblings of a second generation car, so perhaps your wish will be granted. :) I wonder if raiding the parts bin for a varient of the n/a 2.5L would be the cheapest way for the manufacturer to go. Staying n/a would probably mean they could continue using the same transmission, and probably diff. Cooling system upgrades would be minor. A turbo setup means lots of changes and additional costs that they probably couldn't justify with such a low volume car.

I have only sat in a scion, but I liked it. If I was to join the chorus of more power, I would prefer the H6 over boost.

Are the incremental changes enough to make it competitive in CS? It sure looks like the NC has an edge over the earlier cars though it's not necessarily a big edge.

In reply to Brian:

I'm with you, a relatively low displacement, rev happy (well for a pancake motor) H6 if possible. something like a 2.8L churning out 240-260hp.

Power is not always the answer. A 280zx turbo was a whole lot faster than a 240z, but it was less fun. The BRZ / FRS appeal has to do with it's light weight, frisky chassis, and simple / affordable nature. There are plenty of 300hp+ ground pounders out there. I'm glad the Frisbee twins exist exactly the way they are.

It's not a perfect car, but it ticks the boxes that are most important to me. If I was shopping for a new sports car, it would be between the Frisbee and an ND MX-5. I'd probably go with the Frisbee, as the ND's trunk has shrunk so badly--- it's no longer even remotely practical.

I've sometimes been pretty hard on my old BRZ, but the truth is that it is a few simple tweaks away from being a very nice car. I disagree a bit with you Joe. I will say what the car needs is a bit more torque and drive-ability. I remember my old 2.2 Subaru having a good midrange, where the BRZ falls kinda flat. I would think a bump in displacement with maybe 20 or 30hp and a corresponding torque number would do wonders in real world usability.

And like I've said here before, an option for much nicer seats would have made it more difficult for me to turn it loose. I would have paid a lot more to have had a better option. I think Subaru is missing out on a population of older guys that would like the car and buy it.

I'm not that old, but as a daily driver for me, it was not working. If it were only a toy that was an autocross or track car, I would have liked it much better. Ironically, as the prices have dropped on the early cars, I'm looking at one for just that purpose. Plus I think it has been reclassed into possibly an overdog.

^^ I hear you Dave, and I'd also like a more willing power plant in the Frisbees. I still love them as they are---- but a more eager rush to redline would make me happier.

I found the seats comfy, but sometimes I wonder why automakers don't jus copy VW seats from the mid- late 80's and call it a day. Those sport seats (made by RECARO) were fairly light, simple to adjust and just about perfect.

So regardless of whether or not the BRZ has enough power, why is it that so many people complain about lack of power? Seems like other enthusiast cars do not get nearly the hate.

In my mind there are VERY few cars that wouldn't be better with 100 more HP.