New Models
New Models

Subaru reveals why its 2022 BRZ missed out on turbo power

The new-generation coupe picks up a respectable 18kW and 37Nm over its predecessor, but Subaru has revealed why it didn't get the forced-induction many were hoping for.


The 2022 Subaru BRZ was officially unveiled last week, but, to the disappointment of many fans, the low-slung sports coupe still doesn’t have a turbo – now the Japanese manufacturer has revealed the reason why.

The new-generation model is powered by a naturally-aspirated version of Subaru's 2.4-litre 'FA24' petrol four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, which sends 170kW and 249Nm to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

That’s 18kW and 37Nm more than the outgoing model, but still short of the 190kW, boosted figure thrown around by some pundits in the lead-up to the car's launch.

Subaru’s head of public relations in the US, Dominick Infante, told Road & Track over the weekend that turbocharging the car would have significantly compromised handling and dynamics.

The turbocharged FA24's design requires its turbo to be mounted to the bottom of the engine which, as he explained to the American magazine, if fitted to the BRZ, would have required engineers to raise the height of the engine within the chassis, in turn significantly raising the car's centre of gravity.

Opting for a turbocharged powertrain would also increase the BRZ's kerb weight and retail price, he added, compromising its mission to be an affordable, lightweight sports car 'for the masses'.

Others, however, are not convinced, with many online suggesting the car wasn’t given more power to protect sales of Subaru's WRX sports sedan and Toyota's larger, co-developed GR Supra sports car.

Toyota is yet to unveil its much-anticipated GR 86 variant of the sports car, however it is all-but-certain to miss out on turbo power as well.


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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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