Power for the Subaru BRZ is generated by a 2.0-liter DOHC, 16-valve, flat horizontally-opposed Subaru ?boxer? four-cylinder with D4-S (featuring combined Direct and Sequential Port Fuel Injection) that cranks out 200 horses at 7,000 rpm, while developing 151 pound feet of torque at 6,400 rpm. The engine requires premium fuel, and directs its energy to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Sport and winter modes, paddle shifters and Downshift Rev blipping.

The Subaru BRZ?s construction utilizes a large proportion of high-tensile steel, with aluminum for the hood, and tips the scale at a mere 2,762 pounds. Contributing to its agility and crisp handling, the Subaru BRZ has one of the lowest centers of gravity of any production car at only 18.1 inches. The Subaru BOXER engine design, with its low height and its mass positioned low in the chassis, contributes to this low center of gravity, taking maximum advantage of this characteristic.

The 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 center of gravity and polar moment of inertia. Moving the engine closer to the center of the chassis helped make the BRZ quite compact, at just 166.7 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase.

The 2015 Subaru BRZ will continue to be offered in two levels of trim: Premium and Limited. Both models include all of the BRZ?s performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential. A special Series.Blue Edition is based on the Limited trim.

The BRZ Premium model?s list of standard fare including: a comprehensive infotainment configuration anchored by a touch-screen navigation system that comes with: a 6.1-inch LCD screen; AM/FM stereo with HD radio; voice activated controls; map upgrades via SD card; a single-disc in-dash CD player; a 196-watt amplifier; 8 speakers; MP3/WMA capability; Bluetooth hands-free phone and Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity; iPod? control capability; iTunes? tagging capability; a USB port; XM? Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic (subscriptions required); SMS text messaging capability; and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.

Externally, the BRZ is distinguished in front with fog lights and in the rear by a body-color trunk spoiler. In terms of its stunning and stealthy exterior visual appeal, the BRZ reflects its inner power with a low, sleek roofline that directs airflow cleanly and efficiently over the gracefully curved cabin. The stance is low and the face delivers a menacing competitive look with its sharp expressive lines and forms, such as the wide lower intake and angular headlight assembly that houses projector-beam headlamps. Front fenders protrude aggressively upward, while moving to the rear, the fascia sits low and wide, with a diffuser panel that encases the sporty dual exhaust system. LEDs showcase the edgy taillamps along with center-mounted backup lights.

Inside, drivers are treated to a 3-spoke, telescoping, leather wrapped steering wheel, accented with red stitching. A multi function display provides current and average fuel economy, there are carpeted floor mats, and each door panel integrates a cup/bottle holder, with the center console offering two additional cup holders. There are also two 12v power points, one in the glove box and another in the center console.

The 2015 Subaru BRZ provides 2+2 seating (rear seat occupants need to be on the diminutive side) with deeply bolstered, supportive and comfortable seats up front, with a rear seatback that folds flat for added versatility and functionality. A large, center-mounted tachometer is the focal point of the three gauge main cluster that also features a programmable shift indicator, allowing the driver to set rev limits in 100 -rpm limits beginning at 2,000 rpm. Speed is measured by both digital and analog gauges.

A soft skin dash cover delivers a flat horizon design with a raised centerline rib, which in combination with the pronounced front fender bulges aid in keeping the driver intuitively oriented with the car?s position.

BRZ is equipped with a host of standard safety features including: six airbags, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability control, Brake Assist, ABS and Smart Stop Technology.

Despite its powerful 100-horsepower per liter engine, the BRZ yields an estimated EPA rating of 34 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission or 30 mpg with the manual gearbox. Weight is kept to a minimum by the implementation of an aluminum hood, a solid roof and by a trunk rather than a hatch design. The low weight is complemented by dynamically tuned suspension componentry consisting of MacPherson struts forward and a double wishbone setup aft. Positive steering feel is provided by Electronic Power Steering and the BRZ rides on lightweight 17×7-inch alloy wheels. Ventilated disc brakes are standard at all four corners. Experienced performance driving enthusiasts will appreciate the Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control systems, which may be set in varying configurations.

Pricing for my test 2015 Subaru BRZ which was a limited edition Series.Blue model with the 6-speed manual gearbox, came with a base price of $29,490, which rose to $30,285 after adding for the Series.Blue edition package and Destination and Delivery charge. It sported a Crystal White Pearl exterior and a Black interior with Blue trim and stitching as well as a simulated carbon fiber dash panel. The BRZ, provides a heightened content than the Scion FR-S.

SUMMARY: Production of the 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue edition will be limited to 1,000 cars for the continental United States. An exclusive combination of STI?-branded functional aerodynamic body design, black-painted STI-branded 17-inch wheels and unique interior trim showcases an aggressive look for the BRZ Series.Blue.. Subaru will offer 500 painted WR Blue Pearl and 500 in Crystal White Pearl exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The BRZ Series.Blue boosts the car?s aerodynamic performance with black STI-branded front, side, and side-rear under spoilers, that provide additional front downforce, and unseen underbody panels that reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.28 to 0.27.