Meh - The underwhelming 2022 Subaru BRZ with 228 NA horses and 2815 pounds

[Sticky]

We got excited at the prospect of a hot little sports car with a very affordable price tag from Subaru. The affordable and little part still applies but there is nothing hot about a 2.4 liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated motor with only 228 horsepower.

This is basically the previous generation BRZ rehashed. Now, there is nothing wrong with a naturally aspirated motor if it is a good motor. This is an engine that wouldn't have anyone excited a decade ago let alone today. Maybe Subaru needs to talk to Honda about making a four-cylinder naturally aspirated motor that is fun with some power?

Subaru missed a major opportunity here. Sure, the car will handle well and it is light at just under 2815 pounds with the manual (there is an optional automatic) but there needs to be some kind of punch.

Let's hope the upcoming WRX STI actually raises the bar instead of keeping it where it was.

[richpike]

I’m so disappointed I genuinely had high hopes and was considering one as a 3rd car that I could then give to my son in four years. But while I like the looks, non-turbo, especially at my altitude, is a non-starter. Bummer.

-Rich

[ND75R]

Let's hope the upcoming WRX STI actually raises the bar instead of keeping it where it was.

The tone set with this relatively paltry choice of engine makes me doubt the STI will do anything significant. I expect the 2.4 turbo in there, but probably making ~340 HP or something.

[Mola]

Honestly, it’s still going to sell like hotcakes. The last one was underwhelming as well but it sold great.

[Sticky2]

The tone set with this relatively paltry choice of engine makes me doubt the STI will do anything significant. I expect the 2.4 turbo in there, but probably making ~340 HP or something.

They may take more pride in the WRX as it isn't a shared platform and their icon.

[ND75R]

They may take more pride in the WRX as it isn't a shared platform and their icon.

That's true, but where's the pride over the last two decades where it has become the underdog in almost every hot hatch comparison? Even if they were hamstrung by using the crappy EJ engines, the chassis wasn't even best in segment.

[Bowser330]

Honestly, it’s still going to sell like hotcakes. The last one was underwhelming as well but it sold great.

hotcakes?

google search "Subaru brz US 2019 sales" it says 2,334 units were sold

google search "Subaru impreza US 2019 sales" it says 66,415 units were sold

google search "Subaru WRX/STI US 2019 sales" it says 21,838 units were sold

looks like a distraction/waste of time to me....

[Sticky]

That's true, but where's the pride over the last two decades where it has become the underdog in almost every hot hatch comparison? Even if they were hamstrung by using the crappy EJ engines, the chassis wasn't even best in segment.

I can't defend Subaru and won't try. All I can do is look forward to the new STI hoping they made it something special and take pride in being the best in the four-cylinder performance class.

[ND75R]

Sport Auto did a send off to the current BRZ by taking the final edition around the ring, managed a lap time of 8:43.6



Not too bad for such a low powered car on a big power track.

[Sticky]

Sport Auto did a send off to the current BRZ by taking the final edition around the ring, managed a lap time of 8:43.6

Did they stop to take some photos of the scenery or have lunch?

[ND75R]

Did they stop to take some photos of the scenery or have lunch?

On some of the higher speed up hill sections the g-meter literally was reading 0 in terms of acceleration