The refreshed 2017 Subaru BRZ has been revealed offering more power and some slight cosmetic tweaks – it will be here in November.
THE VIRTUAL twin-under-the-skin Subaru BRZ (Toyota 86) has been refreshed for the 2017 model year, boasting the same mechanical refinements as the recently updated Toyota 86. These include a power and torque gain from 147kW to 152kW and 205Nm to 212Nm (although automatic models retain the old outputs), revisions to the suspension and tweaks to the front end, interior and stereo system. Pricing will be announced closer to the refreshed vehicle’s launch in November.
For manual-equipped BRZs, the final drive ratio has been revised from 4.100 to 4.300, while the engine in manual variants has copped a raft of changes, including:
- Increased cylinder block rigidity;
- Greater piston durability;
- Buffed and polished valve stems;
- Low-friction finish for the camshaft;
- Optimized fuel pump drive cam;
- Optimized internal shape of rocker arm pivots;
- Changed shape of fuel system components;
- Changed fuel pressure sensor;
- New generation fuel pump;
- Changed ECU hardware; and
- Changed engine harness.
The suspension to, on both variants, has been revised to “improve driving stability and ride comfort”. It includes:
- “Optimized friction of front struts and rear shock absorbers, improving the balance between ride comfort and driving stability;
- Changed damping force of front struts and rear shock absorbers, plus changed spring constant of front and rear coil springs, optimising ride comfort and driving stability;
- Changed structure of front struts and rear shock absorbers improves chassis response;
- Added load axle control to front coil springs produces smooth, easy-to-control steering feel;
- Changed wire diameter of rear stabilizers improves turning ability; and
- Changed shape of front differential mount stoppers improves vibration and noise suppression.”
The refreshed BRZ cops a new front bumper and headlights that borrow from other Subaru models and are intended to give the front end of the BRZ a wider, hunkered down look. The headlights are now full LEDs which incorporate day time running lights; the front fog lights are also LED units. The rear of the car features LED tail-lights, too and new design 17-inch 10-spoke alloys.
On the inside, the instrument panel and door linings have been redesigned (the door linings now feature red contrast stitching), the former copping a new LCD panel to the right of the tachometer featuring “more elegant fonts and sculpted feel”. Information displayed is:
- Tachometer;
- Digital speedometer;
- Shift position;
- Fuel gauge;
- Mode indicator during sports drive mode;
- TRACK; and
- REV indicator.
Improvements to the chassis for greater rigidity, include a thicker V-shaped strut tower bar mounting bracket in the middle of the dash panel, a thicker transmission cross member reinforcing plate, and increased structural reinforcement on the outside of the rear wheel housing.
BRZ MY17 MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:
SAFETY
- ABS anti-lock brakes with four-wheel discs and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Automatic transmission lock-out – need foot on brake, key in ignition “on” position, to release lever
- Brake Assist
- Child seat tether anchor points + ISOFIX
- Curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Dual front airbags
- Dual side airbags
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Full size spare wheel
- LED high and low beam head lights; LED tail lights
- Ring-shaped reinforced passenger cabin
- Seatbelt indicator lights
- Shock absorbing brake and clutch pedals
- Side intrusion bars
- Vehicle Dynamics Control TRACK mode for enhanced safety
INTERIOR
- Alloy pedals
- AM/FM tuner CD player, six speakers, USB connectivity and Bluetooth
- Automatic dual zone air conditioning
- Bottle holders in front doors + two cup holders in centre console
- Cargo area light
- Central locking – remote
- Centre console with one 12-Volt outlet – second outlet in glovebox
- Cruise control
- Driver’s footrest
- Fold-down one-piece rear seat
- Height and reach adjustable steering column
- Height adjustable driver’s seat
- Hill Start Assist
- Immobiliser security system
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with red stitching
- Leather wrapped gearshift knob and handbrake lever
- Map light
- Power steering, mirrors and windows
- Push-button start and smart key entry
- Remote fuel lid release – tethered fuel cap
- Seatback pocket (passenger side)
- Side sill cover (alloy)
- Six speed manual transmission option
- Six-speed automatic transmission option with paddle shift
- Sport front seats – driver’s seat six-way manual adjustable
- Two remote central locking smart keys
- Vanity mirrors – front passenger and driver (illuminated)
EXTERIOR
- 17-inch alloy wheels – full size spare
- Colour-coded mirrors and door handles
- Daytime running lights
- Engine, transmission and floor undercover
- Front fog lights
- Power folding door mirrors
- Rear diffuser
- Rear fog light
- Rear roof mounted radio antenna
- Twin exhaust
COST OPTIONS
- Leather and Alcantara trim, with front seat heaters
