Subaru BRZ Concept to Make Official Debut at LA Auto Show
Subaru will unveil the BRZ Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, ahead of the production model's expected Tokyo Motor Show debut.
Subaru has confirmed it will present the BRZ Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, marking the first official showing of the rear-wheel-drive sports car developed in partnership with Toyota. The BRZ Concept previews Subaru’s version of the FT-86 project, which will also appear as a Toyota and, in the US, as a Scion.
The BRZ Concept is the result of a collaboration agreement between Subaru and Toyota, with both companies developing their own versions of the car but holding back production details until the Tokyo Motor Show in December. Subaru’s announcement follows earlier teasers and clarifies that the Los Angeles show will host the concept’s first official appearance. The car is expected to share nearly all its underpinnings with the Toyota FT-86 II, with only minor styling differences such as the front fascia and badging to distinguish the two.
Technical details: boxer engine and rear-drive focus
Subaru has confirmed the BRZ Concept will use a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine with direct injection, developed using a Subaru block and Toyota’s fuel system. The engine is expected to produce 200 horsepower and will be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Unlike many recent concepts, the BRZ is not a hybrid or electric vehicle. Its key engineering focus is a low centre of gravity, with the target set at around 45cm, comparable to established sports cars such as the Porsche Cayman and Ferrari 458 Italia.
Both the Subaru and Toyota versions will share the same chassis, engine, and transmission options. In the US, the Toyota variant will be sold under the Scion badge, while Subaru’s BRZ is expected to come with a higher standard equipment level. The agreement between the two brands reportedly includes restrictions on revealing production bodywork before the Tokyo debut, so the LA show car is likely to remain a concept in appearance.
Market positioning and next steps
Subaru positions the BRZ as a return to its sporting roots, emphasising the horizontally-opposed engine and rear-wheel-drive layout. The company has described the concept as embodying its “core technology” and “ultimate passion” for sports cars. With the official unveiling set for the LA Auto Show, attention will turn to the Tokyo Motor Show in December, where the production-ready versions from both Subaru and Toyota are due to be revealed.
The BRZ Concept joins a busy LA Auto Show schedule, which also features new models and concepts from other manufacturers, including the Ford Focus ST (see /2012-ford-focus-st-going-to-la-auto-show) and the Aston Martin Vanquish US debut (see /aston-martin-vanquish-heading-to-l-a-auto-show). For Subaru, the BRZ marks a notable departure from its usual all-wheel-drive, turbocharged offerings, targeting driving enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, rear-drive coupe.
