Described as a “pure handling delight”, the BRZ will be the only mainstream front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car in the world to be powered by a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.
Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru cars, displayed a BRZ Prologue technology demonstrator at Frankfurt, which showed the drivetrain and engine beneath a transparent body.
The BRZ Prologue uses a totally new FA Boxer engine, exclusively designed for the car.
FHI says the 2.0-litre alloy engine’s light-weight, compact size and low centre of gravity produces great handling stability and driving excitement.
To achieve the lowest possible centre of gravity, the engine sits 120mm lower and is positioned 240mm closer to the centre of the chassis than existing Subaru models.
An added benefit is the low bonnet – contributing to the sleek silhouette.
The BRZ Prologue features front strut suspension and double wishbone rear, for stability and control.
The car doesn’t rely solely on power output, but draws on the chassis, drivetrain, engine and suspension set up working in unison to produce drivability.
Short front and rear overhangs reduce the yaw moment of inertia, reportedly resulting in agile and stable handling.
BRZ is due to begin production in northern spring, 2012.
BRZ Prologue major specifications
Length 4200 mm
Width 1770 mm
Height 1270 mm
Wheelbase 2570 mm
Engine Subaru 2.0 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder horizontally-opposed FA Boxer engine
Tyre size 215/45R17
