Subaru BRZ Development Video

[kimokalihi]

This outlines their thoughts designing and building the BRZ and it makes me want one pretty bad.

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ0sDiL87eE

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdZcX7Hawhk

[Legacy777]

Watched part 1 and that was pretty good. I'd love to drive one...and may consider getting one if and when they come out with an STi one

It's interesting they mention that this is the first car since the first gen legacy that they have completely designed from scratch. I find that interesting because Subaru seems to get everything right for a completely new design and then it slowly de-evolves due to pressure from outside influences like mileage, emissions, styling, etc. I dont' know....just my 2 cents

[kimokalihi]

I've seen the STI version and the TRD version. TRD looked better and I think it had better upgrades but I'm not sure but I don't think either one touched the engine if that's what you're after. It was all brakes and suspension/chassis stiffening. The TRD one was really nice although I didn't care for all the ugly red in the interior, especially that ghastly red steering wheel.

[kimokalihi]

Unfortunately only Japan and Australia are set to receive the TRD FT86.

[CAV3MAN227]

-I really like it but it still needs an STi turbo version! Maybe next year!

-Joe

[PhyrraM]

I wonder how liberally they used the term 'from scratch'? The rear suspension is very closely related to the current corporate rear suspension, specifically the Imprezas. The brakes are also parts bin as are the front knuckles, from the looks of it. I guess the platform, as a whole, IS brand new. The closest they have come recently is the '05 Legacy when it droped the front crossmember.

That all being said, I don't think it matters if it 'new' or not, as long as the results are as intended. Every review I have read says the results ARE as intended, so it's all good.

I'm a big fan of the BRZ/FRS/GT86 triplets. I think it's great market timing and will sell well. I'm glad to see a maker actually come to market with something reasonably light weight. It's too bad my wife will kill me if I come home with one.


Well, not kill....but she would certainly be chasing me around the house with a knife.

[Legacy777]

Well, not kill....but she would certainly be chasing me around the house with a knife.

That's what you have the BRZ for.....to get away

[beatersubi]

I agree about the devolution, Josh, just never really occurred to me that way before.
I hope that they offer a 'body in white' with nothing other than a rolling shell. I really wonder what it could weigh w/o any of the nanny-state crap.

[CAV3MAN227]

-I found this video to be interesting, show off the car a bit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=romf-G6C ... gqYgvfg%3D

-Joe

[kimokalihi]

Nice video Joe. Really looks like a solid car and if I were into buying new cars I'd buy one myself but I don't roll that way so it'll be years before I drive one or possibly own one.

[CAV3MAN227]

^ Yea the closest I've had to a new car was 99 z24 cavalier back in 2004. I don't think I'll ever own a new car with 11 miles on it. It definitely looks like a great car, but I'd just like to see an STi badge with a turbo. (I heard something about STi separated from subaru... like what lingenfelter is to the corvette.)

-Joe

[kimokalihi]

I also heard that STI is going to make parts for other cars. Don't remember where. Lame. I don't see the BRZ ever having a turbo engine or at least not for several years. But when they're 10 years old it would be easy to swap in a turbo engine as it has been designed to fit one I believe.

[beatersubi]

200hp is pretty decent for a lightweight car. I actually prefer the responsiveness of a N/A engine over a turbo and unless you're racing on a track, you really don't need too much power and its adverse affect on fuel mileage.

[AWD_addict]

I like how in those videos they say it turned out better than they first thought it would. Almost like they started the project to earn money from Toyota, then got into it and made the car great. They took a thoughtful approach overall, with space to carry a set of wheels, and the interior having room for roll cage installation.