Introduction of the Updated Subaru BRZ for Japan
This November marks six years since the debut of the second-generation BRZ, and Subaru is trying to keep the model fresh by announcing a series of updates for the Japanese variant. However, expectations should be tempered — the changes are not drastic.
Among the relatively minor innovations is a “shift lever structure that leverages experience gained from participating in the Super Taikyu series.” Subaru did not go into details, but cars with a manual transmission are expected to get smoother shifting thanks to these changes.
More: Subaru BRZ enters 2027 with higher prices and almost no changes.
Improvements for the manual transmission version do not end there: the car is equipped for the first time with a wide-angle monocular camera. It works alongside the stereo camera, which has an extended recognition range. As a result, the EyeSight driver assistance system prevents collisions more effectively.
Prices and Equipment
Prices in Japan start at ¥3,377,000 (approximately $20,768) including 10% consumption tax. All trim levels are equipped with the familiar 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 232 hp (173 kW / 235 PS) and 250 Nm of torque.
The base R version features LED headlights and 17-inch wheels. The equipment list includes a leather steering wheel, fabric seats, a digital instrument cluster, and a six-speaker audio system.
The S trim at ¥3,564,000 ($21,918) offers larger 18-inch wheels, a leather and Ultrasuede interior, additional speakers, and stainless steel scuff plates.
The top-of-the-line STI Sport version costs from ¥3,839,000 ($23,610). It stands out with black exterior accents, dark 18-inch wheels, a Brembo braking system with gold calipers, STI-tuned dampers, an STI-logo start button, and red interior elements.
American Version and Toyota GT86
As for the American specification, it was introduced back in June. It received a new wide-angle monocular camera and rear parking sensors on the tS version. Notably, the company did not mention any improvement to the shift mechanism.
This seems odd, as the 2027 Toyota GT86 has an extended chamfer for the shift lock between fourth and fifth gears, providing smoother shifting. Additionally, the GT86 gained a new body color, the aforementioned camera, and adjusted throttle calibration for “smoother, more linear response.”
Overall, Subaru continues to gradually improve the BRZ, focusing on the Japanese market, while the American version received only a portion of the changes. This may be due to different market requirements or the update strategy for a model that is already in its sixth year of the lifecycle. Although the updates are not revolutionary, they help maintain interest in the rear-wheel-drive coupe, especially given the increasing competition in this segment.