The all-new second generation 2022 Subaru BRZ has been redesigned, inside and out. Under the hood is a new inline 4-cylinder naturally aspirated, direct and port-injected 2.4-litre horizontally-opposed boxer engine, up from 2.0 litres in the outgoing BRZ. Horsepower has increased from 205 to 228 hp at 7,000 rpm. Torque is up 15 percent from a modest 156 lb-ft to 184 lb-ft at 3,700 rpm. The close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission has also been updated. The optional 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters has also been enhanced and has downshift blip control.

The all-new chassis is 50 percent stiffer than the first generation BRZ and has an even lower centre of gravity. Weight-reducing elements include an aluminum hood, roof and fenders making the 2022 BRZ one of the lightest rear-wheel drive 2+2 production sports cars available. Curb weight is estimated at just 1,277 kilograms or 2,815 pounds.

On the race track, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) stability and traction system offers five different settings. The system has been redesigned to allow more input from the driver before it activates the traction control system. The system can be turned off completely.

“What I really feel is the torsional stiffness of the overall car,” said Scott Speed, race car driver and 2018 Americas Rallycross Champion. “The front end is on a knife’s edge. This thing turns on a dime, it’s like driving with a razor blade. As a racing driver, I want to feel like I’m in control of the car, I feel very connected here. I feel like a surgeon in this thing, I can put this car anywhere I want on the race track.”

The 2022 2-door 2+2 coupe is slightly longer and lower than its predecessor, resulting in a low and wide frontal area set off by large air intakes. The grille is set low and is capped by fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points. A narrowed greenhouse accentuates the fender flares, and the roof line features a pagoda appearance, a nod to vintage racing cars. Its extremely low profile and widened stance enhances handling.

The side view is dominated by front and rear fenders, a large side vent and other aerodynamic tweaks. The functional side vent reduces drag by ducting air from under the hood and fenders. The released air is directed to a side sill spoiler that creates downforce at speed. A small fin at the back of the rear-wheel arch also assists in airflow adding stability.

The all-new interior is driver focused. The seating position is low but features excellent sight lines due to use of high strength steel in the A, B and C -pillars. Contoured sport bucket seats provide support and comfort for the driver and passenger. A new customizable 7-inch digital dashboard highlights a center-mounted tachometer with a configurable display that provides the driver with relevant information about their drive and the car. The programmable meter can change to show amps, water temperature or a g-force meter. When placed in track mode, the tachometer automatically shifts to a linear graph with a colour display that allows for quick reads so the driver can focus on the track.

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology has been added to the new BRZ. It acts like an extra set of eyes for the driver and uses two cameras to monitor activity on the road. It helps identify potentially hazardous situations, assisting the driver. This suite of safety technology includes features like Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane-keep Assist and more.

The front suspension uses struts and coil springs. The MacPherson strut is custom-designed to optimize the low hood line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and ride quality. The multi-link rear suspension system provides bump absorption to enhance tire grip over uneven surfaces. A new electric power steering system has sharpened driver inputs and feedback, a quicker 13.5:1 steering ratio and small diameter steering wheel.

A new 8-inch infotainment touch-screen features include standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, rearview camera and SiriusXM satellite radio. Placing a further emphasis on safety and convenience, the all-new BRZ is available with SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services. Using the nationwide cellular network, separate from customers’ mobile devices, Connected Services allows customers to stay connected to their car, while also allowing them to receive important information to keep them safe.

Integrated directly into the car, the system uses voice-response technology with the addition of live assistance for features such as Advanced Automatic Collision Notification in the event of a collision, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Concierge Service. Customers can also receive automatic emergency assistance in the event of a collision, schedule service appointments, start their engine remotely (automatic transmission models), adjust climate control, remotely lock and unlock the doors, remotely locate their vehicle, as well as get vehicle alerts such as speed, boundary or curfew alerts, all controlled directly from customers’ smart devices.