Switzerland fooled Subaru. In some years, the Japanese automaker has sold as many cars here as in Germany – although our new car market is ten times smaller than the German market. But since the new Outback generation in May 2021, the brand has remained silent. But now it’s taking off again: In addition to the first Stromer called Solterra, the second generation of the BRZ sports coupé will arrive in Switzerland in spring 2023.
A surprise! That’s because when the GR86’s twin model was unveiled by collaboration partner Toyota last April, that was still the case: It should only be available in Japan, the US and elsewhere, but certainly not in Europe – possibly to meet CO₂ limits as well. not met in a way that endangers a sports model. Now it is. And why not? Finally, we also offer Toyota’s structurally identical GR86.
A coupé like a time machine
Visually, the two 2+2 seats (ie sports seats in the front, narrow emergency seats in the rear) can only be distinguished by the logo and the front air intakes. Of course, they share the same concept: narrow dimensions, light weight of less than 1300 kilograms, a naturally aspirated engine at the front, drive at the rear and even a manual transmission – a feature long rare in sports cars. now is the time. The BRZ is also suitable as a time machine – with this concept, it could have appeared in the 1960s. However, it makes a huge leap forward compared to its predecessor.
Because skeptics blamed the first BRZ for its moderate output of 200 hp (147 kW), they called for a turbocharger. It’s ridiculous, went against the BRZ fans, because for full fun you need to keep the engine revs above 5000 RPM. The new 2.4-liter boxer engine – otherwise only available at Porsche – now delivers 234 hp (172 kW), but its maximum torque of 250 Newton meters is already available from 3700 rpm. The result: Depending on the version, the new BRZ accelerates to 100 km/h 1.3 seconds shorter than before, is better connected to the throttle and moves much more directly.
Same technique but different
However, the BRZ isn’t about the record numbers for acceleration and top speed, it’s about the interaction between man and machine. No other contemporary car can be felt more directly from the narrow sports seat. After a few first laps on proven ground near Madrid, you feel like you’ve grown along with the steering wheel and gear lever – as if the car was waiting for the driver’s next move. But why do you need the BRZ when the structurally identical GR86 already exists? Because they are two different cars! It’s almost unbelievable that with the same technology, different adjustments of stabilizers, springs and dampers can result in so many different driving behaviors.
The Toyota looks pointed, too pointed, and sometimes almost too jittery when turning by comparison. The BRZ is also quick to respond, but doesn’t wiggle its tail. GR86 for the racetrack, BRZ for the crossing – that’s how these two share the spaces. Another difference is Subaru’s full assistance package called Eyesight, which is also available on the BRZ if you prefer the automatic version.
And both seats will likely be priced differently: Toyota’s GR86 starts at CHF 37,900, while the base price for Subaru’s BRZ has yet to be determined. Blick wrote: Just below Toyota for manual key, slightly above with automatic and assist systems.