Subaru BRZ (ZC6)

Over the years, Subaru makes 4WD cars that is proven to be the trademark of this Japanese carmaker. Cars like the Legacy, the Impreza, the Forester, and the Exiga, spanning several years using the same layout that truly becomes the "beauty of all-wheel drive". What will Subaru happens if they went to a completely different direction by creating their first RWD car in collaboration with Toyota?

2013 Subaru BRZ

Meet the BRZ, Subaru's first rear-wheel drive sports coupe that truly sent this brand to the opposite direction. When I say opposite, well you get the idea. This car is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, and this is how they see the TOYOTA 86 in the Pleiades' point of view. At first glance, it looks the same as the TOYOTA 86 but take a second look and you'll see that the front bumper is completely different, or think of it as an inverted version of the TOYOTA 86's front bumper. The 86 emblem you found on the TOYOTA 86 has been ditched in favor of something that I can't understand what it is. I have no idea how can there will be some minor alterations to make this BRZ more identical to the 86 (Hachi-Roku), but still, this design looks completely sleek in every direction.

2013 Subaru BRZ interior

The similarly identical interior of the BRZ is how you get the same feeling from the TOYOTA 86 but you'll see that the steering wheel is different as are the instrumental panel. What bothers me is when the SLS AMG-style tachometer from the TOYOTA 86 has been ditched in favor of somewhat conventional or somewhat similar from the old Mazda Axela. Guess you have finally spot the differences between the TOYOTA 86 and the Subaru BRZ!

2013 Subaru BRZ

So, what about performance? The BRZ is equipped with a new 2.0L D-4S BOXER engine, which is a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru, and they called it FA20. The new FA20 engine develops 200PS of power and 205Nm of torque. It promises about 12.4km/L to 13.4km/L of fuel economy based on Japan's JC08 mode test cycle. There are two transmission types available such as a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed Paddle Shit transmission. Those who are looking for some hardcore fun should prefer the 6-speed manual transmission because it completes the BRZ's characteristics.

Colors available for the BRZ are Satin White Pearl, Dark Grey Metallic, Lightning Red, WR Blue Mica, Sterling Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and Galaxy Blue Silica.

My Comment:
So, is this going to be a five-minute argument or a full half-hour? The point is that Toyota already made the 86 for people who are so enthusiastic about JDM cars but why would Subaru making its own take on the TOYOTA 86? Don't you know what that is? This would have been my car!

Anyway, sales for the Subaru BRZ will start in Japan this late March 28, 2012. Yeah, that car would be the first to go on sale in Japan this spring, earlier than the TOYOTA 86's April on-sale date. Gosh, that's insufferable...

Photo: Fuji Heavy Industries