2013 Subaru BRZ: A Nimble, Rear-wheel Drive Sports Coupe

Subaru BRZ focuses on low centre of gravity, light weight and precision handling
Newly engineered vehicle-specific platform
New high-performance 200-horsepower SUBARU BOXER engine
Choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
Standard navigation

MISSISSAUGA, ON--April 5, 2012: Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is delighted to introduce the all-new rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ sports car to its award-winning lineup of passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs. Set to arrive in dealerships this June, the Subaru BRZ delivers superior steering response, pinpoint handling precision and an unmatched level of driving pleasure for sports car enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Subaru developed the rear-wheel-drive BRZ with the fundamentals of sports car design in mind: light vehicle weight, an ultra-low centre of gravity and precision steering. Utilizing Subaru's new naturally aspirated 200-horsepower horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine design, the BRZ is a true sports car that does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, including up to manufacturer-estimated 5.9 L/100 KM highway fuel economy (with 6-speed automatic transmission). With 2+2 seating and a flat-folding rear seat, there is an unexpected level of utility too. Combined with Subaru renowned safety and quality, the BRZ is a sports car with practicality as well as performance.

Key to Sports Car Handling: Light Weight and Ultra-low Centre of Gravity
The recent sports car trend has been to focus on ultimate power, luxury and performance. As a result, many sports cars have grown heavier and more expensive. Seeking to develop a true sports car, Subaru followed a purist approach to engineering the 2013 BRZ.

Using a large proportion of high-tensile steel, with aluminum for the hood, the 2013 Subaru BRZ weighs 1, 255 kilograms. Critical to its agile handling, the Subaru BRZ has one of the lowest centres of gravity of any production car in the world at just 459 millimetres. The SUBARU BOXER engine design, with its inherently low height and its mass concentrated low in the package, contributes to a low centre of gravity in all Subaru models. For the BRZ, Subaru took maximum advantage of this characteristic.

A rear-wheel drive configuration allows placement of the engine lower and farther back in the BRZ than in any other Subaru model in order to attain the best possible centre of gravity and polar moment of inertia. As a frame of reference, the BRZ's SUBARU BOXER engine is mounted 240 millimetres farther back than the Subaru Impreza. Moving the engine closer to the centre of the chassis also helped make the Subaru BRZ itself quite compact, at just 4,235 millimetres long on a 2,570-millimetre wheelbase.

To achieve its ultra-low centre of gravity, the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting a shorter intake manifold, shorter exhaust manifold and a shallower oil pan. In addition, under-hood components were located to optimize the car's balance, including tilting forward the radiator 17 degrees and moving the battery to the back of the engine compartment.

All-new 200-horsepower SUBARU BOXER Engine
The BRZ is powered by an all-new SUBARU BOXER engine that is not shared with other Subaru models. Fundamental to its true sports car character, the 2.0-litre engine combines low weight with high strength, high compression and high-revving responsiveness. The cylinder block and heads are aluminum. The dual overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank are chain-driven. The 4-2-1 exhaust features dual tailpipe outlets and the system has been tuned for a throaty sound. Directing some of the intake sound into the cabin also adds to the performance-tuned feeling of the car.

The Subaru BRZ engine uses a completely square architecture, meaning that its bore and stroke dimensions are identical at 86 millimetres. That geometry gives the BRZ engine a quick-revving nature, with a 7,400-rpm redline. The engine delivers 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm, with a high specific output of 100 hp/litre. The Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) is instrumental in helping the engine produce a broad torque curve to help make the BRZ feel responsive in daily driving. In contrast, some previous high-revving sports cars have been lacking in low-end and mid-range torque.

The Subaru BRZ BOXER engine fuel injection system uniquely combines direct injection and port injection technology. A direct-type fuel-injection system, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chambers rather than upstream into the ports, provides a cooling effect in the cylinders. This enables use of a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio to extract maximum energy from the fuel. In light- and medium-load conditions, the port fuel injectors help produce precise combustion, increasing performance and efficiency.

A sports car for the times, the 2013 Subaru BRZ also delivers impressive fuel economy, with manufacturer-estimated ratings of 9.6 L/100 KM city / 6.6 L/100 KM highway / 8.3 L/100 KM combined with the 6-speed manual transmission, and 8.3 L/100 KM city / 5.9 L/100 KM highway / 7.2 L/100 KM combined with the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Choice of Six-speed Transmission
The driving enthusiast can choose between a new six-speed manual and an optional six-speed automatic transmission in the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Both transmissions have been engineered and tuned to maximize performance and sporty driving feel. The six-speed manual features a short-throw shift lever. Triple-cone synchronizers on first through third gears help ensure durability. Clutch effort and pedal rake, as well, have been tuned to make this sports car ideal for manual shifting. Of special note for driving enthusiasts, the six-speed manual employs close gear ratios with a direct drive fifth gear. Sixth gear is the only overdrive.

The optional six-speed automatic transmission offers no-compromise performance in the Subaru BRZ. The driver can select Sport mode from a switch on the centre console for sportier shifting response. For driver-controlled shifting, the driver can select "M" mode to shift manually using the shifter handle or steering-wheel paddle shifters. Downshift blipping control enhances the more direct sports car experience.

All-new Subaru Platform
The Subaru BRZ is built on an entirely new platform and shares just a few parts with other Subaru models, including rear suspension architecture from the Subaru WRX STI. Effective use of high-tensile steel in the car's upper structure contributes to its low centre of gravity, while the front hood employs aluminum for lightness. Chassis tuning takes maximum advantage of the BRZ's ultra-low centre of gravity and high-strength body structure, offering excellent manoeuvrability and stability as well as sharp steering response to enhance the driver's connection to the car.

The front suspension uses struts and coil springs, and the front struts were mounted low and optimized for a low hood line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and comfortable ride quality. A standard front strut brace enhances rigidity.

The double-wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tire grip over varied surfaces. Electric power steering, which reduces weight and load on the engine as compared to hydraulic power steering, has been tuned for excellent feedback. The quick 13:1 steering ratio and 366-millimetre diameter 3-spoke steering wheel endow the Subaru BRZ with very quick steering response.

The BRZ, like all current Subaru models, employs the brand's proven ring-shaped reinforcement frame body structure as a foundation for occupant safety. Giving the BRZ a stiff body structure and ultra-low centre of gravity allowed Subaru to tune the suspension for both agility and compliant ride quality. That tuning, along with the car's light weight, allowed Subaru to select 215/45R17 summer performance tires that reduce wheel/tire weight and, therefore, unsprung weight.

A standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps the inside wheel maintain traction during hard cornering. The standard Vehicle Stability Control and traction control system (TCS) offers the driver five different settings, including a Sport mode and a TCS Off switch.

Design: Thoroughly Modern Sports Car Meets Classic GT
Subaru aimed for a traditional sports car design yet was careful to include subtle details that allow the BRZ to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. To begin with, the Subaru engineering that yields the ultra-low centre of gravity in the BRZ also made it easy for designers to craft a very low-slung coupe body. A low roof height of just 1, 285 millimetres, combined with a swept-back roofline, bulging front fenders, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches give the BRZ a decidedly lean, athletic stance. Some homage to classic GT-type sports cars has been paid, but without resorting to retro design cues. At the same time, the car's hawk-eye High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, hexagonal lower grille and six-star ornament instantly convey Subaru's identity by following the design motif common across the new family of Subaru models. Subaru BRZ Sport-tech Package models add a body-colour trunk spoiler and standard fog lights for added sportiness and better visibility at night.

The Subaru BRZ subscribes to a simple, elegant approach to interior design, with a focus on driver involvement through easy-to-use controls. The heavily bolstered front sport seats were designed just for this car and feature a lowered seating position optimal for the Subaru BRZ's ultra-low centre of gravity. The driver faces an easy-to-see instrument panel featuring a large, centre-mounted tachometer with an analog speedometer to its left. The tachometer integrates a digital speedometer, and the fuel and temperature gauges are conveniently positioned to the right of the tachometer, allowing the driver to easily see information without diverting attention from the road.

The rear seatback folds flat to expand the space offered in the trunk. With the seats up, the trunk offers 196 litres of space but with the seatback folded down, the cargo area can hold two standard golf bags, giving the Subaru BRZ an unexpected amount of utility for a vehicle in its class. With the seatback in its upright position, the rear seats can accommodate front-facing child seats for versatility that fits its driver's lifestyle.

Two Levels of Equipment, Plenty of Options
Subaru will offer the 2013 BRZ in two levels, the well-equipped entry level BRZ and BRZ Sport-tech Package. Both models include all performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential.

The Subaru tradition of outstanding value is evident in the entry BRZ model's long list of standard amenities. Key among these is a comprehensive assortment of user-friendly technologies anchored by a touchscreen navigation system that includes:

6.1-inch LCD screen
AM/FM stereo
Map upgrades via SD card
Single-disc in-dash CD player
2-channel power amplifier
8 speakers
MP3/WMA capability
Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity
Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity
iPod control capability
USB port
Smartphone integration (iPhone iOS 4.0 compatibility)
3.5 mm auxiliary audio input jack

The driver will welcome the 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel accented by red stitching, which is indicative of a pure sports car in its design. Like all Subaru models, the 2013 BRZ comes equipped with the kind of thoughtful standard features that make everyday driving more convenient, such as a multi-function display with current and average fuel economy and carpeted floor mats. Each door panel integrates a cup/bottle holder, and the centre console offers two additional cup holders. There are two 12-volt power points, one in the glove box and another in the centre console.

The Subaru BRZ Sport-tech Package offers additional comfort and amenities while still keeping vehicle weight low. Externally, the BRZ Sport-tech Package is distinguished in front with fog lights and in the rear by a body-colour trunk spoiler. Inside, the seats are upholstered with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters.

The BRZ Sport-tech Package substitutes a dual-zone automatic climate control for the entry level BRZ's manual HVAC system. In the BRZ Sport-tech Package, heated front seats as well as keyless access and start with illuminated engine start/stop button add to the convenience and sporty attitude of the car. Also, the dual visor vanity mirrors are illuminated, while front door courtesy lights illuminate when the doors are opened.

Comprehensive Subaru Safety
Subaru's ring-shaped reinforcement frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the 2013 Subaru BRZ. The compact stature of its SUBARU BOXER engine also helps enhance safety as it allows more crush room in front and on the sides.

High-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) enables specially equipped child seats to be secured in the rear seat.

The Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. Deployment strength depends on how close the driver is to the steering wheel as well as the size of adult sitting in the passenger seat. Front seat side pelvis/torso air bags and side curtain air bags offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants.

The five-mode driver-selectable Vehicle Stability Control system and traction control system allow the driver to tailor the system to respond to outdoor conditions as well as their performance needs.

The standard 4-channel / 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Brake Override. The EBD system enhances braking performance and stability by actively optimizing braking force between the front and rear wheels according to how the vehicle is loaded with passengers and cargo.

Brake Assist detects how quickly the driver has pressed the pedal in emergency or panic braking. If pedal velocity exceeds a certain threshold, Brake Assist immediately applies pressure up to the ABS limit to help increase braking effectiveness. The Brake Override system ensures that the engine power will be cut when the brake pedal and accelerator are pressed simultaneously.

The Subaru BRZ is manufactured at Subaru's Gunma, Japan, assembly plant. Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel-drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs. Adding the stylish BRZ two-door sports coupe to Subaru's portfolio showcases the brand's penchant for engineering vehicles that deliver pure driving pleasure. This offering is intended to appeal to a new group of buyers and attract even more Canadians to the Subaru brand.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.