Autoblog

Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid?

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Toyota, Rumormill

From what Autocar has to say, Toyota has even more plans for the GT86 beyond the convertible concept we just saw at the Geneva Motor Show. Along with a planned midcycle facelift, Toyota is reportedly looking at how to pack some extra ponies under the coupe's hood, and while there has already been a lot of talk about superchargers and turbochargers, it sounds like a performance-boosting hybrid system could also be in the works.

Talking to Toyota chief engineer Tetsuya Tada, Autocar has learned that the automaker is considering an electrical motor assist for the sporty coupe to improve performance without harming fuel economy. In attempting to keep weight - and, presumably, costs - down, the article mentions the use of a system closer to what Honda uses for its Integrated Motor Assist rather than a full Hybrid Synergy Drive system used in current Toyota hybrids. Tada says the added weight of the system could be offset by weight reduction, while aerodynamic changes and a lower center of gravity could improve the car's handling.

No word yet on whether a mild hybrid system would find its way to North America's Scion FR-S - let alone its Subaru BRZ twin - but the thought is certainly an intriguing one.

Toyota pondering high-performance GT86 hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ XT Line Concept shows off custom look

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Subaru

The Subaru XT was a small coupe from the '80s that offered all-wheel drive and a turbo engine, and now, Subaru is revisiting the designation on its 2012 BRZ XT Line Concept. While we would love to imagine a day with a turbocharged Subaru BRZ driven by all four wheels, we'll have to wait until later to learn the true details of this car. The XT moniker has also been used more recently to denote the turbocharged models of the Subaru Forester, so there's that, too.

For now, though, all we have to work on are pictures of the car, and from what we can tell, Subaru's definitely injecting more attitude into the much-loved rear-drive coupe. Visual changes include carbon fiber (or at least a carbon fiber look) on the roof panel, decklid spoiler and mirror caps, while the blacked-out 11-spoke wheels expose red-painted calipers at all four corners. XT Line Concept badges adorn the front fascia, fender vents and the C-pillars.

Inside this mysterious concept, the BRZ gets some bright red leather seats with embossed XT logos and some added carbon fiber trim on the gauge cluster brow and door panels.

Honestly, the XT Line Concept looks more appropriate for SEMA rather than today's Paris Motor Show reveal, but hopefully Subaru will release a press release with additional information later. Until then, enjoy the live images.

Subaru BRZ XT Line Concept shows off custom look originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ sells out in Australia in three hours... online

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Subaru, Australia

Coveting a new Subaru BRZ? Be glad you don't live in Australia. Apparently the Aussies were allocated only 201 cars for delivery this year, so Subaru Australia decided to sell them all online starting at noon today, kind of like concert tickets. Of course, you can imagine what transpired.

According to Joel Strickland's Blog, all the cars had been sold - or at least ordered and had a sales contract completed - within three hours. The process included a paid deposit of three to five thousand Australian dollars, so reserving one is a serious commitment. The online offer attracted eight buyers in the first five minutes, and the first order took just 20 minutes to complete.

The Aussie BRZ was offered at $37,150 Australian, which is $38,045 and change in U.S. dollars (new car pricing in Oz is always markedly higher than in the States). Subaru is continuing to take orders, but will not be able to deliver these cars until early 2013, according to the report.

Subaru BRZ sells out in Australia in three hours... online originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Subaru, UK

Learning The Delicate Balance Between Living Life And Cheating Death

"Don't lose the taillamps in front of you."

Those were the only words on my mind as our rolling convoy plowed its way over hill and dale on the Isle of Man, up Snaefell Mountain and back down again. Thing is, those taillamps were little more than faint twinkling halos shrouded in obscurity, nodding up and down obeisantly to the undulating road famously known by locals as the Mountain Course.

Those taillamps were the only sign that, up ahead, our procession of 2013 Subaru BRZ coupes was being led by one Mark Higgins, he who currently owns the four-wheeled lap record at the 37.8-mile-long loop of asphalt we're traversing. He who has taken home five British Rally Championship trophies, was born right here on the Isle of Man and is the odds-on favorite to win his home Manx Rally year after year. Put another way, we're following a seasoned professional who knows this track better than he knows the wrinkles, pores and follicles gracing the back of his own hand. And, while we're well shy of the 115 mile-per-hour average that constitutes his record-setting lap, to say we're driving gingerly is to say it takes a bit of arithmetic to land on the moon. As for us? This is the first time we've ever put rubber to the ground on the Isle.

Making matters a wee bit more interesting is the steady downpour of rain we've come to know and loathe on the Isle - enough of it, in fact, that the Senior TT motorcycle race, the most sought-after win of the entire Isle of Man race schedule, was canceled for the first time for any reason other than a World War - not to mention a layer of fog so thick in patches that we couldn't tell if it were a fellow BRZ pilot we were following on the Mountain Course or Charon's ferry over the River Styx.

Once more, with feeling: "Do NOT lose the taillamps in front of you!"

Continue reading Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man

Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Subaru

Our colleagues at Consumer Reports, when not professing their love for all things Toyota, have recently taken a real shine to Subarus. First they crowned the 2012 Impreza the top small sedan, while elevating the Subaru brand to the top of the 2012 CR ratings. Now comes this surprisingly entertaining "first look" video featuring the 2013 BRZ.

CR loved hot-shoeing the BRZ around the track, of course. As we've seen, this car is fun enough that anyone with a pulse should be able to enjoy it. But more importantly, the magazine answered a few important questions about the car's suitability for the low-budget racing crowd. Those that might be interested in campaigning a BRZ in local autocross events or track days will be happy to know that a helmeted, six-foot-tall driver can fit inside the car with proper head clearance. Equally as important, the BRZ's stability control can be switched entirely off, enabling the kinds of power slides that are great fun but sure to place you last in your SCCA Solo II class behind all the Miatas, Z cars and E36 M3's.

Go ahead and scroll down to watch the whole video.

Continue reading Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ

Consumer Reports lets its hair down, drifts Subaru BRZ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Subaru BRZ priced from $25,495* [w/poll]

John Neff — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:41:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

Subaru announced today that the starting price of its much anticipated BRZ sports car will be $25,495 when it goes on sale. We don't have an exact date, but Subaru says it will arrive in dealerships "this spring."

The starting price of $25,495 does include a destination charge of $750* and will get you the BRZ Premium with a six-speed manual transmission. Choosing a six-speed automatic will add $1,100 for a new total of $26,595. That price of admission does, however, include a touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and HID headlamps.

Those who require more pampering can step up to the BRZ Limited with a base price of $27,495 for the manual-equipped model. Adding the automatic again bumps the price by $1,100 to $28,595. Limited models also get heated seats with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, keyless entry/start and a body-color rear spoiler. The last and most expensive configuration comes when opting for seats fully covered in leather, which raises the starting price to $27,495 for the manual model and $28,595 for the automatic.

Even fully loaded, the 2013 Subaru BRZ appears to come in safely under $30,000, thought it is more expensive than its sibling, the 2013 Scion FR-S, which starts at $24,200 but doesn't come with a nav system or leather as an option. Based on our experience driving the car, that's a reasonable price to pay for such a high level of rear-wheel-drive handling. What do you think? Take our poll and send a Subaru a message about whether or not they have priced the BRZ correctly.

View Poll

Continue reading 2013 Subaru BRZ priced from $25,495* [w/poll]

2013 Subaru BRZ priced from $25,495* [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Subaru BRZ [w/video]

Matt Davis — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, First Drives

Subaru Gives Us Their Sports Car On Real Roads. Does It Deliver?

Last December, our wandering man of intrigue Jonathan Ramsey drove a Subaru BRZ prototype at Japan's Tochigi circuit under somewhat controlled conditions and was nonetheless very impressed. Then, in that same month, SoCal lad Michael Harley - he who knows a thing or two about hot-footing it on closed circuits - took the practically identical Scion FR-S for many unfettered laps on the island's short and sweet Sodegaura Forest Raceway. He, too, was left extremely enthused by the experience.

My turn now. We needed a real road test of the Subaru BRZ just to see if this car really does merit the "zenith" part of its name represented by its final letter. Can the stellar handling and light weight we've already raved about translate into something you could happily drive every day?

The roads on which Subaru sent me with their new star pupil could not be more appropriate: the ominous Route Napoleon in southern France. This is perfect, because the number of new car drives following the Geneva Motor Show has been mind numbing, and I frankly needed a spectacular car-and-road pairing to recharge my enthusiasm. I can think of no better combo for this than a promising sports car and this insanely technical French two-lane. I am here to find out if, in the real sporting car world, 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque are enough to keep the fire burning in me.

Continue reading 2013 Subaru BRZ [w/video]

2013 Subaru BRZ [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Subaru BRZ tested at 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.3

Chris Tutor — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Subaru

The 2013 Subaru BRZ is "one of the most rewarding cars we've ever driven" says Edmunds after subjecting the new coupe to some track time. This, despite having a 0-60 time that rivals that of some minivans - 7.3 seconds. Inside Line says those numbers are mostly due to an overactive rev limiter that forces a third-gear shift at 59.2 mph. We bet that's an early tuner fix. Also likely to be improved with an aftermarket reflash is the 15.3-second quarter-mile time.

So you won't be winning many stoplight drag races in box-stock form, but as we all know, there's far more to a fun car than just straight-line numbers. According to IL, "the BRZ offers a level of engagement that, until now, has been either too costly or too impractical for the average enthusiast." They even go so far as to compare the BRZ's overall character to a Lotus Exige and the beastly Porsche 911 GT3(!).

No, the BRZ can't hang with either of those hardcore Europeans, but Inside Line says its balanced mixture of handling, cost, every day usability, and practicality make for "a perfect balance between date nights and track days." Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading 2013 Subaru BRZ tested at 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.3

2013 Subaru BRZ tested at 0-60 in 7.3 seconds, 1/4 mile in 15.3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S fuel economy numbers bubble up on EPA site

Chris Tutor — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Government/Legal, Scion, Subaru

Small, rear-wheel drive, manually shifted coupes can be exciting, no? Fun and zippy to drive, and because of their tighter dimensions and lower weight, they tend to be easy on the gas, right?

Well, in the case of the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, maybe not as much as we'd have hoped. Sure, they have smallish 2.0-liter four-cylinders and six-speed manual transmissions, but their hunger for gasoline is just average. Official EPA fuel efficiency numbers are in, and the BRZ and FR-S with manual transmissions net 22 miles per gallon city and 30 highway on premium fuel. Still, that's about the same as the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe with the four-cylinder and manual tranny which gets 21/30 on premium, and it's better than the aging Mazda MX-5 Miata which returns 21/28.

The BRZ and FR-S chug less fuel if you outfit them with the optional automatic transmission. They probably won't be as much fun, but they will return numbers close to 25 city/34 highway.

Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S fuel economy numbers bubble up on EPA site originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 production gets underway [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota

Finally. It's the moment we've all been waiting for ever since Toyota and Subaru jointly announced their compact rear-wheel-drive sports car: production is now underway.

With an official ceremony at Subaru's Gunma Main Plant, attended by Toyota president Akio Toyoda, Subaru pushed the Big Red Button (quite literally, in case you were wondering) that sent BRZ and Toyota GT 86 coupes down the assembly line. And the event was captured in both still images and video for our viewing pleasure.

Check out our high-res image gallery above, and see below for the video and official press release. Oh, and if you're one of the lucky ones with a deposit down for either the Subaru or the Toyota's Scion FR-S twin (America won't get one with an interlocking rings badge), it's officially time to consider making room in your garage.

Continue reading Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 production gets underway [w/video]

Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86 production gets underway [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preorder Now: Subaru only sending 6,000 BRZ Coupes to U.S. in 2013

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru

If you have your heart set on picking up a new Subaru BRZ, you better get moving. Car and Driver reports the automaker is only shipping 6,000 of the coupes to the U.S. for the 2013 model year. The news reportedly surfaced via a Subaru dealer. While the automaker hasn't officially announced exactly how many 2013 BRZ Coupe models will be allocated for American buyers, it has said the vehicle will arrive in "extremely limited quantities" in the past.

The news dovetails with earlier reports, which indicated the company would need to sell somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 units at $25,000 a piece to break even, though at the time, no one mentioned Subaru wouldn't bump up production if there was demand.

We've reached out to the automaker for comment and will keep you posted on any forthcoming information. In the mean time, we'll leave you to pour over your finances to figure out how to bring one of these fine-handling machines home before there are none left. Word has it Subaru is already accepting pre-orders.

Preorder Now: Subaru only sending 6,000 BRZ Coupes to U.S. in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

It's finally arrived: Subaru's version of the long-in-gestation Toyobaru has just said hello to the world at the Tokyo Motor Show. In case you've been in Witness Protection for the past two weeks, we'll recap the major specs: 2,689 pounds, 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet from the direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer engine, six-speed manual and automatic transmissions on offer and a lower center of gravity than a Ferrari 458 Italia.

There's still no word on pricing yet, but this is the rear-drive sports car that will be working to redefine little, fast, flickable handling. One more thing about the Subie version: it's the only one you can get in this shade of blue. You can refresh yourself on the details in the press release after the jump, and say hello to our newest little friend in the gallery of high-res images.

Continue reading 2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows

2012 Subaru BRZ finally bows originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Subaru

We're expecting to finally see the production version of the Subaru BRZ sports car at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December, but not before the automaker teases us with one more concept. At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Subaru will unveil this, the BRZ Concept - STI (yes, that's its official name), showing what the automaker's in-house tuner can do with the all-new, lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports car.

Curiously, the STI team has chosen to leave the BRZ's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer four untouched. A shame, since a turbocharged version of the all-new powerplant would certainly make sense for an STI-badged version of the car. Subaru has, however, fitted upgraded suspension bits, new Brembo brakes and larger 18-inch wheels.

The neat thing about the STI Concept is that this is actually the first time we've seen the Subaru's exterior design - we've only seen full models of the Toyota/Scion version of this car. We like what we see so far, though we're not exactly blown away. Then again, we probably shouldn't expect much from an automaker that hasn't exactly been known for aesthetics over the years. Of course, this being the STI version, a large wing has been fitted to the rear deck, and the car is painted in a new evolution of Subaru's classic blue, called WR Blue Pearl II.

We'll see the car in person in just two weeks, but for now, hit the jump for Subaru's press release and see some official renderings of the BRZ STI in our attached high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show

Subaru BRZ STI Concept coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru BRZ continues to tease

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru

Between Subaru and Toyota, the pair of BRZ/FT-86 rear-wheel-drive coupes are high in the running for the honorary Chevrolet Volt Award For Painfully Slow New Car Rollouts. We won't take you through the entire lifespan of this pair of Japanese sports cars, but we'll say this: we're sick of waiting in Pavlovian anticipation for their Tokyo Motor Show unveiling already.

Still, at least this latest set of spy photos gives us a better glimpse at some of the Subie's finer details, including the full shape of the taillamps and what appear to be LED running lights just above the fog lights. We could probably do without that rear spoiler, though we'll wait until all of the swirly paper has been removed before making any final design assessments.

Subaru will be bringing a concept version of the BRZ to the Los Angeles Auto Show before the final production car debuts in Japan. All we can say is, it's about time.

Subaru BRZ continues to tease originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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