Only days ago, Subaru announced the tiniest of updates for its BRZ sports car in Japan, which consist of a set of revised dampers and new wheel arch fins behind the rear wheels.

While we’re used to Subaru updating the BRZ at an agonizingly slow pace without ever touching the engine compartment, we were intrigued by the sight of a prototype at the Nürburgring: just what is Subaru doing there with the BRZ?

We don’t know exactl,y but what we do know is the mystery white prototype features two barely noticeable changes to the bodywork. More specifically, the coupe sports big vertical air vents between the front wheels and the door edges, as well as two smaller outlets cut on each side of the rear bumper.

It’s possible that Subaru is preparing some aero updates to the BRZ aimed at making the car more “slippery” by reducing turbulence inside the wheel wells. Turbulence, also known as “dirty air,” creates drag and slows the car down. That’s where the vents come in handy, as they help suck the dirty air from the well and integrate it into the airflow around the car.

A more aerodynamic BRZ means improved efficiency and performance, although we should not expect miracles in any of that areas. Just as we don’t expect Subaru or Toyota to give their sports cars more power, at least not until the next-generation BRZ and 86 arrive.

Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-22 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-21 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-20 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-19 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-18 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-17 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-16 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-15 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-14 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-13 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-12 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-11 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-10 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-9 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-8 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-7 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-6 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-5 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-4 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-3 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-2 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-1 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-22 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-21 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-20 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-19 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-18 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-17 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-16 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-15 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-14 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-13 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-12 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-11 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-10 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-9 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-8 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-7 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-6 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-5 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-4 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-3 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-2 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Subaru-BRZ-spy-shots-1 Badgeless Subaru BRZ Prototype With Aero Updates Spotted At The ‘Ring
Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien