2019 Subaru BRZ Bows In Japan With Aerodynamic Changes And Suspension Updates

Subaru has unveiled an “improved” version of the BRZ in Japan.

While the model is coming up on its seventh anniversary, the car hasn’t been forgotten despite its modest sales figures. That being said, the updates are minor and will likely go unnoticed by most buyers.

With that in mind, Subaru says the car has an improved aerodynamics as the BRZ has been outfitted with new fins which suppress air turbulence at the “rear of the body.” Elsewhere, engineers installed revised dampers which promise to improve stability and control. Besides the aforementioned updates, the JDM-spec BRZ RA-Racing has new seat belts and a modified roll bar.

Power is provided by a familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 204 hp (152 kW / 207 PS) and 156 lb-ft (212 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

In Japan, pre-tax pricing starts at ¥2,480,000 ($22,238) for the entry-level BRZ R and tops out at ¥3,325,000 ($29,815) for the STI Sport with the automatic gearbox.

While Subaru took the time to update the model, the company only expects to sell around 160 units every month in its home market. The situation is significantly better in the United States as Subaru sold 4,131 BRZs in America last year. However, that number is still less than the 6,846 86 models that Toyota was able to sell in the country.

Speaking of the latter model, Toyota has already unveiled the 2019 86 and it features a new TRD special edition. It comes equipped with a number of performance upgrades including Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.