2013 Subaru BRZ: A Sports Car Bombshell for This Economy

Subaru has been doing some excellent automotive work lately. The automaker has redesigned its flat four-cylinder boxer engines for better efficiency and gas mileage. Additionally, it has lowered the weight, increased the interior room and adding attractive styling to its vehicles. Last, but not least, Subaru offers one of the best symmetrical all-wheel drive systems in the business. And what does all this add up to for Subaru drivers? The best resale value of any automaker!

And now Subaru (in a joint venture with Toyota) will be providing the BRZ, an affordable sports car that will be in a league with the Mazda Miata and even the Porsche Boxster.

The BRZ will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 18-27) and the Tokyo Motor Show (December 2-11).

In the past I have written about the Scion FR-S (Toyota FT-86). However, let's see what the 2013 Subaru BRZ will offer. Be sure to put on your helmet and seatbelt!

To start, the BRZ is not the fastest or even the sexiest looking (remember, looks are in the eyes of the beholder) sports car. However, it is reported to be a real driver's car combined with reasonable gas mileage and at a price that will not break the bank. And in these economic times, such sports car attributes fits well while providing maximum driving satisfaction - satisfaction that a driver can enjoy each and every mile!

The BRZ is the world's only sports car with a boxer engine at the front and rear-wheel drive. The car's power is provided by Subaru's 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder boxer infused with Toyota's direct fuel injection. The mill will reportedly put out 210 hp and 170 ft. lb. of torque. The BRZ's 0-60 mph time is reported to be in about 6 seconds. The car's wheelbase measures 101.2 inches.

The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel. The automatic is reported to be the same unit as used in the Lexus IS 350. The transmission is smooth but provides crisp shifts in manual (paddle) mode with matching revs on downshifts.

The boxer engine has a low center of gravity which helps the car to have excellent handling. Of note is that compared to the 2012 Impreza's 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder, the BRZ's engine sits an additional 4.8 inches lower and a bit more that 8 inches further back in the BRZ chassis. This helps to improve the car's front/rear weight distribution and handling. The bottom line - the BRZ's really responds quickly to driver inputs.

On the exterior the BRZ has long doors for easy entry and exit. The wheels are stretched out to increase the car's ride quality and interior room. From the windshield forward, the BRZ has somewhat of a BMW Z4 look. And from the windshield back, I see somewhat of a Datsun 280Z look but with wider rear haunches. Furthermore, the car has a fairly large greenhouse for good outward visibility.

On the inside the BRZ has a modern sports car interior including well placed controls and highly supportive and comfortable seats. The gauges are easy to read and the climate settings are controlled by straightforward rotary knobs. A large 'start' button is located on the center console. The car will transport up to four people. Thus, it combines fun driving with practical day-in day-out usefulness.

The suspension for the BRZ is MacPherson struts, gas shock absorbers, coil springs and anti roll bar at the front. At the rear the suspension includes three multi-links, gas shock absorbers, coil springs and anti roll bar.

The brakes are discs at all four corners. The car's 60-0 mph stopping distance should be in less than 110 feet.

How might the Subaru BRZ evolve down the road? Turbocharging the engine (as with the Subaru Impreza WRX) would provide an additional 50-75 horsepower. All-wheel drive is in Subaru's parts bin. Additionally, the BRZ's platform has been engineered to be flexible enough to increase the car's wheelbase. Thus, a four-door BRZ would even take a possible stab at the entry level four-door Porsche Panamera. All I can say is wow, wow, and wow!

The BRZ's fuel mileage should be about 25 city and 32 mpg highway.

The base price of the 2013 Subaru BRZ is expected to be $25,000.

Look for this sports car to be in Subaru dealership showrooms in the spring of 2012.

When Subaru and Toyota get together good things are bound to happen. The Subaru BRZ is a sports car made for the times. Be sure to give the Subaru BRZ a test drive. As a matter of fact, consider visiting the Subaru dealer now to get your name on the list for a test drive!

View the slideshow to see the 2013 Subaru BRZ inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.