The Subaru BRZ sports car has been around in the U.S. since 2012. So too have its Scion FR-S/Toyota 86 siblings. But with rumors of its replacement circling, and recent spy photos showing an updated version of the vehicle on the Nurburgring, it looks like the eight-year-old coupe is finally heading to the retirement home – at least, in Germany.
The Subaru BRZ Final Edition debuted this week, marking the end of an era for the beloved 2+2 in the region. Limited to just 100 units, the special edition boasts exterior upgrades like new 17-inch wheels, red brake calipers, stiffer Sachs dampers, and the choice of two paint colors: a standard Crystal Black Silica or an optional Blue Pearl (an extra €100/$111).
Inside, the front two seats wear a blue-and-black leather-and-Alcantara mix, while blue stitching coats the instrument panel, door panels, gear shift lever, and steering wheel. There are new special edition badges throughout, noting the rare BRZ's limited spec, as well as appropriate “BRZ” badging in the floor mats. The one thing that doesn't change inside is the center screen; the same 7.0-inch infotainment setup from the base BRZ carries over.
The Aging BRZ:
The same 2.0-liter four-cylinder goes untouched, too. That engine still produces 205 horsepower (152 kilowatts) and 156 pound-feet (211 Newton-meters) of torque with the six-speed manual gearbox, while the automatic version produces just 200 horses (150 kW) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm). The latter gearbox costs an extra €1,700 ($1,888).
Subaru Germany wants €40,270 (about to $44,000 at exchange rates) for the BRZ Final Edition – and no, it's not available in the U.S. Buyers in Japan, at least, can get a similar spec on the Toyota 86 with the limited run of 400 "Black Limited" edition models. That model boasts some of the same features offered here on the BRZ. Buyers in the States will simply have to make do with the current base model, for now – or maybe peruse the classifieds for a BRZ tS.
Source: Subaru
Gallery: 2018 Subaru BRZ tS: First Drive
The Subaru BRZ (combined consumption: 8.6-8.0 l / 100 km; combined CO 2 emissions: 196-183 g / km; values were determined in accordance with the WLTP test procedure and in NEDC values correlated) runs out and starts for the final sprint: With the "Final Edition" the purebred sports coupe says goodbye from Germany. The special model, available at prices starting at 40,270 euros, underlines its role as a model athlete and will be available from July.
In the “Final Edition”, the Subaru BRZ is sportier than ever: In addition to striking 17-inch alloy wheels, the 2 + 2-seater has a Brembo brake system with red-painted brake calipers and Sachs shock absorbers - two classic distinguishing marks of real sports cars guarantee maximum driving pleasure. The special model is painted in Crystal Black Silica as standard, and the particularly striking WR Blue Pearl is available for an additional charge of 100 euros.
Blue accents also adorn the interior: blue gearstitching, for example, is standard on the gearshift lever, door trim, instrument panel and the blue-black multifunction leather steering wheel. There is also a blue “BRZ” logo on the floor mats. While the front leather / Alcantara seats are blue-black, the rear seats are completely black. A badge emblem in the interior testifies to the exclusive character of the special model.
Otherwise, the interior is of the usual high quality. An infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, six speakers and two USB ports is always on board, as are the electrically folding, adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, a two-zone automatic climate control, electric windows, comfort indicators and LED fog lights. The extended VDC stability program with track mode guarantees perfect driving dynamics.
The brand-typical 2.0-liter boxer engine works under the unchanged flat bonnet of the Subaru BRZ "Final Edition": the petrol engine develops 147 kW / 200 hp and a maximum torque of 205 Nm. As one of the most efficient naturally aspirated engines in a sports car, the four-cylinder engine combines a liter output of 100 hp with moderate fuel consumption. The power transmission is carried out as standard by a six-speed manual transmission, alternatively a six-speed automatic is available (surcharge 1,700 euros).