New-gen Toyota 86 twin is coming in 2021 and there’s plenty of reasons to get excited
- More powerful engine (but still no turbo)
- It’ll probably arrive before its Toyota 86 twin
- Extra safety and tech
- There could be a BRZ STI in the works
- Chassis improvements
The covers came off the new Subaru BRZ last week, revealing an advanced second-generation model that is all but certain to remain an affordable option for those with a fetish for rear-wheel drive sports car fun.
The Japanese manufacturer promises this new one will be more exciting than the first, with more power, improved handling and a fresh new look.
Here are six things we reckon are cool about the 2021 Subaru BRZ…
More powerful engine (but still no turbo)
“No turbo!?” we hear you cry. Well, there’s no real need, according to Subaru
The Japanese car-maker’s engineering team has spent countless hours developing a new 2.4-litre flat four-cylinder engine, ditching the current 147kW/205Nm 2.0-litre unit.
Helped along by joint-venture partner Toyota’s D-4S direct and port fuel-injection system, the new FA24 engine serves up more inspiring outputs of 170kW of power and 249Nm of torque, thanks to a number of upgrades.
Dynamic performance has always been of prime importance with the BRZ, and fitting a turbocharger that increases weight and cost, and might even raise the centre of gravity if a bottom-mounted turbo is fitted, were surely factors that figured in the final decision.
It’ll probably arrive before its Toyota 86 twin
The good news, for those with a penchant for the six-star badge, is that the new Subaru BRZ will likely arrive before the next Toyota 86, which is yet to be unveiled.
There’s no official confirmation yet, but a local launch for the new BRZ is anticipated in the third quarter of 2021.
The fact that the new BRZ has emerged before the related 86 also hands Subie some cool bragging rights.
Our understanding is that the 86 will not break cover until early next year.
Extra safety and tech
Cool in-cabin features include a larger 8.0-inch touch-screen with smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster tucked behind the steering wheel.
That instrument panel has also been shifted down slightly, to give the driver a better view of the road ahead.
Automatic variants will get more driver assistance features, including pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control.
There could be a BRZ STI in the works
Okay, that may just be hearsay (and a dash of hopes and dreams).
Subaru is yet to confirm such a beast, however speculation a high-spec turbocharged BRZ is being developed is rife.
Some good-looking computer-generated renders of what the BRZ STI could look like have also recently surfaced… and we like what we see.
Chassis improvements
It isn’t built on a brand-new platform, as was initially expected, but the BRZ’s chassis has been given a thorough overhaul.
The body is stiffer, longer and slightly wider, which Subaru says will give it “improved steering response, more nimble handling and better traction in cornering”.
It’s also been given a nip and tuck, and will come with a lower centre of gravity and improved agility thanks to lighter materials in the roof, front guards and bonnet. The light-weighting measures also help to offset the slightly heavier engine.
Tyre-shreddy
We’re not here to condone driving like a menace on public roads, but on a race track? We’re down.
More power means more tyre-shredding, rear-wheel drive fun, and Subaru isn’t afraid to show it, releasing a bunch of images of the new BRZ more getting more sideways than Han on Tokyo Drift.
And to make the proposition of track days in the new BRZ even more exciting, from 2021 super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber will be fitted standard.
Keyword: Six cool things about the new Subaru BRZ