2022 Subaru BRZ: First Look

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience 2022 Subaru BRZ
The all-new Subaru BRZ made its global debut today at Thermal Club Raceway in Thermal, California. The new BRZ follows the proven formula of the original with low weight, a low center of gravity, precise steering and excellent handling — all in a fun-to-drive, affordable 2+2 package.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience Sport Mode
The rear-wheel drive 2022 BRZ receives a new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that redlines at 7000 rpm and produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 23 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque over the outgoing model. The new engine gets paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters and a new Sport mode. The Sport mode improves downshifts with automatic throttle blipping and utilizes yaw sensors to hold the transmission in a lower gear during hard cornering.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience New Design
The Subaru BRZ debuted as a 2013 model and the styling received a refresh for 2017. The 2022 BRZ is the first major update since the model launched. The new BRZ is more than an inch longer and almost half an inch wider than its predecessor, and a new front end emphasizes the width with a low grille and wide frontal area with wide, functional air intakes at each edge. The front fenders include functional side vents that reduce drag by extracting air from beneath the hood and fenders, and that air gets directed to side sills that creates downforce at speed.

© Subaru of America Exterior Design
The narrow greenhouse of the new BRZ accentuates the bold fenders, and the roof features a subtle double bubble shape. At the rear of the car, the fenders flow into a new taillight design and a rear valance with dual exhaust. The upper rear shoulders and rear glass result in a short decklid with an upturned ducktail rear spoiler.

© Subaru of America Chassis Rigidity
The chassis of the 2022 BRZ is 50 percent more rigid than the previous model, and the center of gravity is actually lower as well with a near perfect front-to-rear weight distribution. The front suspension features custom-designed MacPherson-type struts with coil springs to keep weight low and optimize the low hoodline. A new reinforced mounting system for the chassis, front sub-frame and other connection points increases front rigidity for improved turn-in and steering response. The driver may choose from five settings for the standard vehicle stability control, and the new system allows more input from the driver — the VSC can even be turned off completely, putting the driver in full control.

© Subaru of America New Interior
Inside, the 2022 BRZ also undergoes a redesign that focuses on the driver. The centerpiece is a new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard with the tachometer as the focal point as well as an integrated digital speedometer. To the left of the tachometer, a programmable area can be changed to display amps, water temperature or a g-meter. When the driver selects Track mode, the tachometer shifts to a linear graph with a color display.

© Subaru of America From the Driver’s Seat
The interior of the 2022 BRZ keeps focus on the driver with a low seating position, supportive seats and red detail stitching. Incorporating high strength steel in the new BRZ design keeps the A-, B-, and C-pillars thin, offering the driver excellent visibility for a coupe. At the center of the dash sits an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and the latest SUBARU STARLINK multimedia system with smartphone integration as well as Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, audio streaming, a rearview camera and SiriusXM. The BRZ Limited trims feature telematics, and vehicles equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience Scott Speed
Although we’ll have to wait until next year for our first chance to drive the 2022 BRZ, Subaru did provide the opportunity to ride in the new car at Thermal Club Raceway with Scott Speed, a Subaru Motorsports USA driver. A former Formula One and NASCAR Cup driver, Speed has been with Subaru Motorsports USA for the past two years and will be competing in the 2021 Nitro Rallycross series. Two quick laps with Speed showcased what the new BRZ has to offer — and left us longing for an opportunity to jump in the driver’s seat.

© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience Balanced Fun
Two takeaways from the time on track with Scott Speed are the overall balance of the 2022 BRZ, and the fun factor. Having a world-class racer in the driver’s seat certainly plays a part, but the BRZ seems well balanced in transition between corners and extremely stable under heavy braking. The new car feels approachable and a lot of fun, even for a less experienced driver. The new BRZ’s additional power is also noticeable — particularly mid-range torque — and the additional grip offered by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires is a welcome bonus.

© Subaru of America On-Sale Date
The 2022 Subaru BRZ will be produced at Subaru’s Gunma, Japan, assembly plant and is scheduled to go on sale in early fall 2021.