Subaru
Subaru's affordable RWD sport coupe (2012+). FA20/FA24 boxer engine, manual transmission. Co-developed with Toyota (sold as 86/GR86).
The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sport coupe produced from 2012 onward across two generations. The BRZ is the Subaru-badged version of the Toyota 86 / GR86 / Scion FR-S; the cars share platform, engine, transmission, and most major components. Subaru does the engine; Toyota does the styling and interior; the cars are built in Gunma, Japan. The first-generation BRZ (ZN6, 2012-2020) used the FA20 naturally aspirated boxer 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 200-205 horsepower. The second-generation BRZ (ZN8, 2022+) uses the FA24 boxer 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 228 horsepower. Both generations come with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. Rear-wheel drive only. The BRZ is the only Subaru product without standard AWD. The model represents Subaru attempt to enter the affordable sport coupe segment, which it has not historically participated in. The car competes with the Mazda Miata, Toyota 86, and various other affordable sport coupes. Reviews consistently praise the chassis dynamics, the manual transmission, and the overall package. The BRZ has been one of the most popular tuner platforms of the modern era. Engine swaps (K20, LS V8) are common. Forced induction (turbo conversions) is popular. The platform supports a strong tuner community. On WhipJury, BRZ submissions are common. First generation ZN6 cars and second generation ZN8 cars both appear regularly. Modified BRZs with engine swaps, turbo conversions, and aero kits are common.
First-generation (2012-2020). ZN6 chassis. FA20 engine making 200-205 horsepower. Manual or automatic.
Second-generation (2022+). ZN8 chassis. FA24 engine making 228 horsepower. Refined chassis dynamics.
Same car, different badges. Subaru does the engine; Toyota does final styling. Suspension tuning differs slightly between the two; minor cosmetic differences. The cars are essentially equivalent for most purposes.
Stock and modified BRZs submit regularly. K20 swaps, LS swaps, turbo conversions, and aero kits are common modifications. The community recognizes the BRZ as one of the most accessible RWD sport coupes available.