Subaru BRZ ZD8

A decade ago, Subaru and Toyota collaborated on a new rear-wheel-drive sportscar project that gave birth to the two icons; the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ. The Toyota side is a spiritual rebirth of the iconic AE86 Sprinter Trueno and Corolla Levin while the Subaru side is, let's just say, a sacrilege to Subaru's image as an AWD specialist and treason to Subaru's heritage if you may. It's the Reiwa era and the era of a new normal we live in and as Toyota and Subaru unveiled their new versions, the second-generation BRZ goes first.

2022 Subaru BRZ

With prices start at 3,080,000 Japanese yen plus additional costs, the second-generation Subaru BRZ joins the list of Reiwa era Japanese sportscars spearheaded by Toyota's GR Supra and it's proof that in the midst of the new normal, Japan still makes sports cars speedo boys will enjoy.

2022 Subaru BRZ

Although the new model is similarly sized compared to its predecessor, thanks to the fact that it uses an improved version of its signature platform instead of the SGP that today's Subarus don, the new styling really means business for the second-generation BRZ. From its dramatic new front design to its sharp new rear angle, every way you look at the new model is quintessential and you'll have plenty of reasons to swap your old BRZ for the new one. Tempted? Well, you should be.

2022 Subaru BRZ interior

The new interior is all about being driver-focused and race-inspired especially when you can't get enough toying with the switches in the dashboard as well as its dramatic speedo that is going to be the target of speedo boys who are busy doing speedo boy stuff while driving at the Wangan expressway. Of course, like the previous model, it's got two rear seats which are deemed to be difficult to squeeze into, and some room in the back for some grocery trips to resupply your man cave. Either way, the new interior is one of the many reasons you can't get enough with the new BRZ.

2022 Subaru BRZ

A new generation calls for a new engine and for the second-generation BRZ, the size of its BOXER D-4S engine has been increased from 2.0L to 2.4L. As a result, the power output is now bumped at a dramatic 235PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It has a WLTC-calculated fuel economy of 12km/L for the 6-speed manual variant and 11.8km/L for the 6-speed AT variant.

Apart from the added power from its new FA24 engine, the new BRZ features an upgraded version of its signature platform which makes it more huggable on the road and more rigid compared to the previous model. They have improved the suspension and chassis to make it more fun to drive than the previous model and it's got better traction as well.

The automatic variants of the second-generation BRZ feature Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which consists of pre-collision safety tech, emergency rescue support, and secondary collision avoidance support. Manual variants don't get one but who cares?

The second-generation Subaru BRZ is ready to pick up where the previous BRZ left off and thanks to its improved dynamics, new styling, new interior, and the FA24 engine, this is going to be the BRZ speedo boys will never forget and with the imminent doom to the internal combustion engine, the BRZ of the Reiwa era is one on the bucket list and speedo boys are ready to spend their hard-earned cash buying this one.

Available colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ignition Red, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and WR Blue Pearl.

Photo: Subaru