First Look: 2022 Subaru BRZ

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If Subaru ever decided to offer the BRZ in convertible form, I believe I’d be in hog heaven. There are few joys left in the world better than driving a mildly powered car quickly on a warm sunny day, especially if a nice stretch of twisting tarmac is involved.

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There is no drop-top in the works, however, but any inherent disappointment (admittedly minuscule) that the BRZ remains a hardtop is alleviated by the fact the engineers behind the new second-generation 2+2 have taken the very admirable principles of sports car design — light weight, low centre of gravity, nimble handling, tight steering — and improved on them.

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For the 2022 model year, the BRZ features more power (thank you), revised styling, a 50-per-cent increase in stiffness, and an upgraded interior. Oh, and a short-throw six-speed manual is still standard. Seriously, how can it get any better?

The BRZ has always been a driver’s machine, as authentically old-school as sports coupes get — front-engined and rear-wheel-drive, much like the Toyota 86, Mazda MX-5, and Nissan 370Z that Subaru considers the primary competition. As Ted Lalka, vice-president of product planning and marketing at Subaru Canada, says, “it’s a car that will put a smile on your face.”

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This second-gen model finds itself built on a new chassis with increased rigidity and ultra-low centre of gravity, lower than the previous BRZ, says Subaru, and “on par with many performance-focused hypercars,” though that last bit might be a little corporate hyperbole going on. Then, again, maybe not.

The company notes new weight-reducing elements such as an aluminum hood, roof and fenders that help make the 2022 BRZ the lightest rear-wheel-drive 2+2 production sports car in the country (lacking those tight rear seats is what disqualifies Mazda’s two-person MX-5 Miata from taking the honours). How light? Subaru says an estimated 1,277 kilograms, within 10 kg or so of the previous model despite the increased safety features. Along with a widened wheelbase of 2,575 millimetres and with the same front-to-rear weight distribution as the outgoing model, the results all but guarantee even better, more nimble handling.

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Using design elements from the Subaru Global Platform, the BRZ’s chassis has gained rigidity through a reinforced mounting system, sub-frame architecture and other connection points. Front lateral bending rigidity has been increased by 60 per cent for the 2022 model to improve turn-in and response. The MacPherson strut front suspension features custom-designed struts that retain a long stroke for improved handling and ride quality. The multi-link rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption, says Subaru, to enhance tire grip over varied surfaces. A new electric power steering system is tuned for excellent feedback, the quicker 13.5:1 steering ratio and small-diameter steering wheel providing the car with rapid steering response.

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On the track, the vehicle stability control (VSC) system offers five different settings, and the system has been redesigned to allow more input from the driver before it activates the traction control system. It can also be turned off completely should the driver want full control.

Then there’s the all-new larger 2.4-litre boxer engine, replacing the old 2.0L. The naturally-aspirated direct- and port-injected four-cylinder produces 228 horsepower at 7,000 rpm; and 184 lb-ft of torque (up from 205 hp and 156 lb-ft for the previous generation’s manually equipped car; 200 hp and 151 lb-ft for the automatic). This gets paired with a choice of two transmissions. In addition to the updated six-speed manual, the BRZ is available with an enhanced six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and downshift blip control. A limited-slip differential is standard regardless of transmission.

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With the increased horsepower, the new BRZ accelerates to 100 km/h about one second quicker than its predecessor, around 6.5 seconds.

Not that the old BRZ was particularly unattractive in any way, but the 2022 cleans up the ungainly bits, notably the headlights. Subaru notes the coupe’s design is slightly longer and lower than its predecessor, with a low and wide frontal area set off by large air intakes. The grille is set low and is capped by pronounced fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points. A narrowed greenhouse accentuates the fender flares, and the roof line features a subtle pagoda appearance.

Functional side vents reduce drag by ducting air from under the hood and fenders. The released air is directed to a side-sill spoiler that creates downforce when the car is at speed. A small fin at the back of the rear-wheel arch also assists in airflow adding stability. At the back of the car, the large rear fenders and wider track flow into dual exhausts. At the back is an upturned ducktail rear spoiler. The BRZ sits on either 17-inch alloy or 18-inch matte grey-finish alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for even more grip.

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Inside, contoured sport bucket seats hug the driver and passenger. Up front, a new customizable seven-inch digital dashboard highlights a centre-mounted tachometer with a configurable display that provides the driver with relevant information — the programmable meter can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-force meter. When the BRZ is placed in track mode, the tachometer automatically shifts to a linear graph with a colour display that allows for quick reads. A new eight-inch infotainment touchscreen dominates the centre console and features the latest technology, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, rear-view camera and SiriusXM satellite radio.

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Placing greater emphasis on safety and convenience, the 2022 BRZ is available with Subaru’s StarLink Connected Services. Using the nationwide cellular network, separate from customers’ mobile devices, Connected Services allows customers to stay connected to their vehicle, while also allowing them to receive important information to keep them safe. Integrated directly into the vehicle, the system uses voice-response technology with the addition of live assistance for features such as advanced automatic collision notification in the event of a collision, SOS Emergency Assistance and enhanced roadside assistance and concierge service.

The new BRZ will be at the dealerships this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s launch, though Lalka says Subaru Canada is intent on keeping it affordable and within reach of the fan base. There will be two well-equipped trims levels — base and Sport-tech.

It’s worth noting that Toyota has not yet released details on the next-generation 86, the BRZ’s fraternal twin.