Subaru’s BRZ sports car skips the 2021 model year as it gears up for a redesign. Before you go out and snap up one of the remaining 2020 models left on dealer lots, take a look with us at its upcoming replacement. Marking the model’s second generation, the 2022 BRZ will build on the bones of its predecessor by welcoming significant dynamic and styling improvements. In other words, the 2022 Subaru BRZ promises to fix the foibles of its forebear while continuing to affordably deliver rear-drive sports car athleticism.
2022 Subaru BRZ: Turbo Power?
Despite sharing its basic rear-drive architecture with the prior BRZ, the new model ought to benefit from a number of dynamic alterations, including additional chassis bracing and reworked suspension pieces. Nevertheless, we expect the 2022 BRZ to remain just as playful as the first-gen model.
In fact, it may even offer more enjoyment from the driver’s seat. Credit the arrival of a new 2.4-liter flat-four engine. Like the smaller 2.0-liter unit it replaces, the new BRZ powerplant once again forgoes forced induction. That said, the bigger four-cylinder ought to improve upon the 2.0-liter’s 205-hp peak output figure while also—hopefully—leaving behind the outgoing engine’s more agricultural qualities.
The 2022 BRZ will surely continue to offer buyers the option to row their own gears courtesy of a standard six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters will almost certainly find its way to the options menu. Similarly, we expect Subaru to bring back the BRZ’s optional Performance package, which adds items such as stickier rubber, better brakes, and suspension upgrades to the 2020 BRZ.
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— Subaru (@subaru_usa) November 4, 2020
2022 Subaru BRZ: 2 + 2 = Fun
Unlike its closest competitor, the two-seat Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 2022 BRZ will return with seating for four courtesy of a small rear bench seat with room for two. We expect it will retain the ability to swallow four sets of wheels (with tires mounted) inside the trunk and cabin with the rear seats folded, as can today’s BRZ; the unusual feature allows owners to drive to the track with a separate, harder-core set of wheels of tires and swap them on for lapping so as to avoid wearing out their street rubber.
Although its interior space will remain largely the same as before, the BRZ’s insides should look and feel more welcoming. Credit a new dashboard design that uses higher-end materials and brings Subaru’s latest infotainment setup into the small sports car’s cabin. Look for an available touchscreen infotainment system that’s notably larger than the outgoing car’s 7.0-inch unit.
2022 Subaru BRZ: Rear-Drive Style
Images of 2022 BRZ test vehicles reveal an evolutionary design that appears to carry over the same essential greenhouse and proportions (including a relatively long hood and stubby rear end) from the previous model. Look closely at the details, though, and you’ll spot a number of noteworthy changes, such as a more pronounced trunk lip and larger taillights that appear to blend with the trunk’s cutlines.
Larger and vertically oriented—and seemingly functional—side vents now reside aft of the front wheels, as opposed to the slim, horizontal units that lived fore of the old car’s windshield base. Likewise, expect the new BRZ to feature a front end with a wider grille and more upright headlights—likely featuring standard LED illumination.
2022 Subaru BRZ: Price and On-Sale Date
Look for Subaru to reveal the 2022 BRZ on November 18th with sales kicking off before the middle of 2021. Pricing ought to remain close to that of the 2020 model, which starts at $29,745.
Update: This post has been updated with a new teaser image and an official release date for the 2022 Subaru BRZ.
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