• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for December 24, 2013

Subaru BRZ: Lets Drift!

December 24, 2013 by admin 5 Comments

2014 Subaru BRZ

The attainable sports car: 2014 Subaru BRZ.


One week with the Subaru BRZ has changed my mind about small, sports cars. Not that my mind had been set in stone mind you, rather I’ve always had my eye on larger and pricier models, well-equipped sports coupes that start around $40,000 and soar in cost from there. Smaller models such as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe or Mazda Miata have not been included in my press fleet rotation so out of sight, out of mind. With the BRZs arrival, I suspect that Its competitors will eventually show up too.

2014 Subaru BRZ

The 2014 Subaru BRZ is a sub-$30,000 model and is powered by a four-cylinder boxer (horizontally opposed) engine. Its small footprint, slippery design and the engineering marriage of Toyota and Subaru have produced a model that has opened up a world of possibilities for young people that want rear-wheel-drive performance, but don’t want to pay the price of a Ford Mustang or have to settle for a front-wheel drive Volkswagen GTI.

So, where to begin? Behind the wheel of course, because nothing else about the BRZ really matters. Yes, it is that good a sports car that has very good get up and go, a six-speed manual transmission, and the steering/handling that rivals the best of just about anything out there. And with a base price of $25,995 for the BRZ Premium and $27,995 for the BRZ Limited, you will get a hot little number that provides miles of smiles.


2014 Subaru BRZ

This Subie shares much with the Scion FR-S.

Subaru, Toyota Collaboration

Well take a look at the on-road antics of the BRZ later, but first, we need to understand how this model came to be. After all, Subaru had been selling all-wheel drive models exclusively for 16 years before the BRZ showed up. Moreover, its performance models are almost always turbocharged. The Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive and it has a normally aspirated engine. But, normal does not apply here as the horizontally-opposed goodness of the boxer engine holds sway.

Toyota has a 16.16 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, the holding company that owns Subaru. That stake made it possible for the two automakers to collaborate, with its first joint vehicle project launched in 2008. As a result of that effort, four years later the Subaru BRZ was introduced as well as the similar Scion FR-S and Toyota 86. Only the Toyota is not sold in North America, to allow Scion to claim its first sports car.


Subaru BRZ diffuser.

Check out the BRZs diffuser!

New Boxer Engine

For this arrangement, Subaru provided the engine and platform, Toyota supplied the body shell and suspension as well as the interior and the direct injection system. Yet, this vehicle is built at Subarus plant in Gunma, Japan, where the Scion and Toyota models are also produced. It may not be a 50-50 arrangement, but both automakers were able to bring to the partnership their strengths with Subaru taking the lead in design and manufacturing.

The 2.0-liter, 16-valve four cylinder engine is new to Subaru, with the BRZ receiving the first application of the same. Thankfully, the six-speed manual is standard and, yes, if you want an automatic with six forward gears you can have that too but what for?

The paddle shifters? The improved gas mileage?

Personally, I find a car like the Subaru BRZ to be pointless when outfitted with anything but a manual gearbox. Yes, I know slush box use continues to rise, but were talking about a sports car not a family sedan!


Subaru BRZ

Interior: 2014 Subaru BRZ.

Interior Design and Cabin Amenities

Slip behind the wheel of the BRZ and you go down…way down. Immediately you sense that the layout beckons you to let her fly and that you will. First, take note of the cleanly laid out cabin with its sport bucket seats, the simple instrument panel design with a centered tachometer, and its small, audio display. The interior is sporty, uncomplicated and it is not over run with electronic distractions. Sure, the audio display is a bit too small and a bit wonky, but you can pull out the owners manual and figure that out when youre not zipping around on the back roads.

And fortunately for me I was able to get in plenty of back road time, avoiding most of the traffic jams that make manual shifting tedious and avoiding weaving drivers that talk (and text) on their dumb phones while driving.

Subaru Gets Its Rear-Wheel Drive On

View manufacturer details and pricing

Summer Tires = Fun Drive


Subaru BRZ

Shift we must: 6-speed manual transmission.

Subaru equips the BRZ with summer tires, those loose-gripping sets of rubber that are ideal for enhanced steering. Even as temperatures in my area dropped below the freezing mark I wasn’t concerned by 9 a.m. temps were well into the 40s and the warning to never drive summer tires in cold weather no longer applied. Had the BRZ not come equipped with its Michelin Primacy tires, Im sure I would have felt the difference with regular radials. In most areas of the country you’d need to invest in a set of alternate season tires all-season radials should do it; winter (snow) tires might do a number on your drive.

The manual transmission shifts quickly between gears and operates smoothly. I say this because I have become keenly aware that manual transmission use has plunged since I began driving way back when (1975) to where fewer than 8 percent of all cars are stick equipped. Fortunately, the BRZ makes shifting easy too quick throws between gears and a clutch that pops in and out with ease makes it easy for a novice user to master it.

Like any stick shifter, the Subaru BZR is best enjoyed on the open road, unencumbered by traffic. I have my favorite back roads to take here in central North Carolina where the city traffic quickly gives way to two-lane roads with speed limits ranging from 45 to 55 mph. Farms and state land dominate the area and in the colder months you can drive miles with only a car or two passing in the opposite direction. This is where the BRZ can be opened up and traction control shut off.

And Subaru provides a VSC Sport mode that when activated shuts off vehicle stability control and allows the rear wheels to slip from underneath the coupe when taking tight turns. Lets just say I found the perfect parking lot to put the BRZ through its doughnut paces. Next time, Ill secure some road cones to set up a slalom course. Lets drift!


Subaru BRZ

Summer tires are standard with the BRZ.

2014 Subaru BRZ Premium

  • Sticker price from $25,595
  • Price as tested: $26,390
  • 2+2 Seating
  • 2.0-liter, 16-valve horizontally opposed (boxer) engine
  • 200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
  • 151 foot-pounds of torque @ 6,400 rpm
  • 3.39 inches bore by 3.39 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12.5-to-1
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
  • Length: 166.7 inches
  • Width: 69.9 inches
  • Height: 50.6 inches
  • Passenger volume: 76.5 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 6.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 30 mpg hwy.
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 2,762 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Gunma, Japan

More Car Reviews

On the Road With the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Tall Wagon: 2014 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

Reviewed: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4×4

Hot SUV: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, boxer engine, DRIFT CAR, HORIZONTALLY-OPPOSED, SCION FR-S, SPORTS CAR, SUBARU BRZ

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
December 2013
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Nov   Jan »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in