Subaru presents Canadian debut of Subaru BRZ

Rear-wheel-drive sports coupe set to join Subaru lineup this spring.

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) today unveiled the brand new 2013 Subaru BRZ at Le Salon International de l'Auto de Montréal. Set to arrive in dealerships in June, this is the first time the anxiously awaited rear-wheel-drive sports coupe was shown in Canada.

The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car designed with superior steering response for ultimate driving pleasure. Featuring an all-new horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine designed to produce 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, BRZ's engine is positioned even lower than other Subaru models so that the BRZ has one of the lowest possible centres of gravity on the market today. Compact and light, the engine also features new direct injection and port injection technology for maximum efficiency and performance. The lightweight yet highly rigid body was exclusively developed to maximize the advantages of its ultra-low centre of gravity in order to produce superb handling capabilities that will surely delight drivers of all skill levels.

Designed for Fun and Function
With its low-mounted SUBARU BOXER engine on a specially designed chassis layout, the BRZ has an ultra-low centre of gravity - offering this sports car a major advantage - as well as the low and wide body of a stylish coupe with an overall height and width of 1,285 mm and 1,775 mm respectively. At the same time, its compact design still offers seating for four with a folding rear seatback plus ample trunk space, making the Subaru BRZ suitable for longer trips thanks to its unexpected utility for a vehicle in its class.

Exterior
Subaru aimed for a traditional sports car design that instinctively conveys its fun-to-drive character, while including subtle details that will allow the BRZ to be instantly recognizable as a Subaru. The BRZ's ultra-low centre of gravity allowed for a low hood design and shapely fender flares, all designed to enhance the Subaru BRZ's aesthetics. This aesthetic beauty is combined with functional beauty that advances aerodynamics through areas such as the C-pillar, rear glass inclination and trunk lid layout. And as traditionally expected with a sports car, shortened front and rear overhangs express liveliness, while projecting rear wheel arches sit in direct contrast to the Subaru BRZ's compact cabin, emphasizing the beauty of BRZ's rear view. Finally, to communicate the Subaru identity, the Subaru six-star ornament, headlights and hexagonal lower grille follow the Subaru design motif common across the new family of Subaru models.

Interior
Carefully designed details elevate the fun-to-drive experience, making the driver feel at one with the vehicle. The combination of a small steering wheel as well as a 13:1 quick ratio achieves precise manoeuvrability, while a tachometer with digitally displayed speedometer is placed front and centre among the gauges, allowing the driver to easily see information without diverting attention from the road. Heavily bolstered sporty seats hold the driver and passenger in place and feature lowered seating positions befitting of, and optimal for, the Subaru BRZ's ultra-low centre of gravity.

Engine
Making full use of the design concept of the next-generation SUBARU BOXER engine, the newly developed engine made exclusively for the BRZ is highly efficient with superior output and environmental friendliness. It realizes the exhilarating high-revving nature of a naturally aspirated sports engine. It has a completely square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm as well as new direct injection and port injection technology that's been incorporated in the Subaru BRZ's power unit. As a frame of reference, the engine is mounted 120 mm lower and 240 further back than the Subaru Impreza. In addition, the crankshaft centre was also lowered (60 mm), while the starter motor was moved to the right-hand side of the engine bay and the battery was moved back behind the engine. To achieve its ultra-low centre of gravity, the engine as a whole has been made more compact by such means as adopting a shorter intake manifold and a shallower oil pan.

Transmission
The joy of sports car driving was realized through a choice of transmissions that focus on shift feel and responsiveness. The 6-speed MT employs a short stroke shift lever. Also, the lever itself was optimized in rigidity, shift quality and weight application in its pursuit of a superb shift feel. The 6-speed AT has an "S mode" for sportier shifting response and an "M mode" for driver-controlled shifting. Also, with paddle shifting and downshifting blipping control, this model can respond faithfully to driver input.

Body
The lightweight yet highly rigid body was developed exclusively to maximize the advantages of the Subaru BRZ's lower centre of gravity. The low centre of gravity and low driving position were achieved by a perimeter-type body frame layout. The Subaru BRZ's body has a rigid and durable frame structure that also works in balance with the vehicle's light weight. This rigidity is optimized for high driveability and collision safety. High-tensile steel was used extensively in the body for weight reduction. Effective use of this material in the upper structure of the Subaru BRZ contributed to its low centre of gravity. The front hood employs aluminum for lightness. In addition, the structure was fine-tuned for low styling that also improves pedestrian protection performance.

Chassis
Excellent manoeuvrability and stability, courtesy of the ultra-low centre of gravity, offer direct and sharp response for steering and enhance the driver's connection to the car. The front suspension employs struts for light weight and high rigidity, while double-wishbone rear suspension provides better shock absorption. To gain a low front hood from the ultra-low centre of gravity, the front strut mount was lowered (from Impreza) while maintaining the stroke. In addition, the front lower arm layout has been reversed (from Impreza) due to a lower engine and steering gearbox. The rear suspension employs a box-shaped cross member for light weight and high rigidity.

The tires are 215/45R17 combined with lightweight and highly rigid aluminum wheels. All Subaru BRZ models are equipped with electronic stability control to provide driving pleasure, safety and confidence.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada.

Joe Felstein or Julie Lychak
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Amyot Bachand
Media Relations, Quebec Region
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