Subaru Reportedly Developing Turbocharged Engine for BRZ Coupe with up to 280 Horses

We have heard it before, and we will probably hear it again; Subaru is working on a turbocharged version of its BRZ rear-wheel drive sports coupe.

This time, the news comes courtesy of Automotive News, which cites unnamed sources, presumably from within the Japanese company, who claim that Subaru’s engineers have started work on a turbocharged direct-injection version of its horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit.

The story has it that the upgraded powerplant will employ a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and Subaru’s own straight direct-injection technology, instead of the DI/port-injection system developed by Toyota and which is used on the Toyota GT 86, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ triplets.

The same sources said that these changes will lift the 2.0-liter unit’s output from 200hp to around 280-horses, and peak torque from 151 lb-ft (205Nm) to as much as 250 lb-ft (339 Nm), thus eliminating complaints about the BRZ’s performance numbers.

The report goes on to say that the BRZ Turbo will “likely” debut as a 2014 model, which we gather means next year. No word on whether the FR-S and the GT 86 will also get this option.

So, if true, do you think this is a good move on Subaru’s behalf? Leave your thoughts in the comments area below.

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