The second-generation BRZ is a little bigger, a little more powerful, a little more refined, but it still sticks to the proven original concept: It’s a small, light sports car with a naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive. And in this case also with a manual transmission, although there is also a version with an automatic. Subaru and Toyota joined forces for the second generation, only the BRZ twin is no longer called the GT86, but the GR86. And the differences between them are even a little more noticeable than before.
The Toyota is deliberately a little more hooligan, the Subaru behaves more maturely, more gently – but it’s still a supremely playful sports car, especially just before winter like this and on well-used summer tires. Subaru (and, by extension, Toyota) heard the cries of first-generation owners that the original 200 horsepower was not enough after all, and rebore the original two-liter to 2.4 liters. Power rose to 234 horsepower and torque to 250 Nm, which really did wonders for the car’s everyday usability. We’re still not talking about an overpowered car, the balance of available power and grip is absolutely key here, but in most normal situations you now have noticeably more drive power, which feels reassuring when driving.
What about the fact that the interior already looks somewhat outdated – this car does not work on plastics or infotainment graphics. And HOW he drives is his greatest asset. Finally, if you’re a regular Garage reader, you’ve read or heard this from various editors several times. The BRZ and GR86 are the last of the Mohicans, fine examples of a dying breed of small and light sports cars with naturally aspirated combustion engines, cars that you have to actively drive and that don’t assist you with electronic crutches, but simply by having feel in the controls and doing exactly that. what will you urge them to do with your hands and feet.
Originally, only two sample specimens were supposed to reach the Czech Republic. However, the importer rebelled and stamped out less than fifty pieces. But then Subaru evaluated the possibilities in the individual markets in Europe and found that, for example, in Austria, due to draconian taxes on impractical sports cars, it will only sell a handful of units, while the Czech market is relatively cheap. In the end, all 250 units of the BRZ Limited Edition arrived, and there are still a few left in stock. But I dare say that this really is your last chance. If you have the chance, don’t miss it.
