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Only Minor Changes For New Subaru BRZ, What You Want To Know

The 2020 Subaru BRZ is coming with only minor changes. When will the new-generation model arrive?

The Subaru BRZ will get a refresh and not a new model change for the 2020 model year so fans shouldn’t get too excited yet. The Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 are needing a remodel but it will likely be another year before it gets a complete overhaul. Here’s what we know.

An unnamed Subaru source from the New York Show at the new 2020 Outback reveal, told Motoring the new BRZ/86 could ride on an entirely new platform. The second-generation sport coupes could be built on Toyota’s TNGA platform, which the latest Prius, Corolla, C-HR, Camry, and RAV4 ride on.

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The Toyota architecture offers a lower center of gravity, reduced body roll, more responsive steering, and reduced weight. All factors would enhance the new-generation BRZ/86 sports coupe. Toyota’s European marketing boss Matt Harrison told AutoCar recently the next-generation 86/BRZ will keep both the Boxer engine and transmission.

2020 Subaru BRZ2020 Subaru BRZ

The two automakers chose the flat-four in the first place because it sits low in the chassis and gives the two-door sports coupe a lower center of gravity producing its dynamic driving characteristics. Rumors say the second-generation BRZ/86 could be powered by the Ascent-sourced FA24 2.4-liter turbo engine, but this is all speculation and has not been confirmed by Subaru or Toyota.

We do know, Subaru will bring back the BRZ tS Limited Edition model for the 2020 BRZ model change. The EPA recently put up the 2020 Subaru BRZ fuel mileage estimates and the BRZ tS is listed with the BRZ automatic trim and 6-speed manual models. Subaru has not announced how many will be produced, or if they will update the new 2020 BRZ tS over the first model launched in 2018.

2020 Subaru BRZ tSSubaru BRZ tS

Why is Subaru taking so long to bring a next-generation BRZ? The BRZ is a low volume model, and similar to the WRX/STI performance sedans, these models get updated less frequently than the top-selling SUVs like Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek that get updated every five years. Re-engineering a vehicle can cost millions of dollars, so low-volume “boutique” vehicles like the BRZ receive less frequent updates.

2020 Subaru BRZ

It has not been confirmed by Subaru when the new-generation BRZ/86 will arrive. It could be another year before the remodeled Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 sports coupe is revealed. We expect the first 2020 Subaru BRZ to arrive at dealer showrooms later this summer after the Outback and Legacy dealer launch. Stay tuned.

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Photo credit: Subaru Global, Subaru USA

Comments

Digitaldoc (not verified)    July 24, 2019 - 12:16PM

Could care less about the update, other than a better engine. The BRZ, and its Toyota 86 twin has suffered from a chronic lack of power. Not sure why they make it so underpowered, and did not address this a while ago. Every review of the car laments the engine!

Greybird7 (not verified)    July 27, 2019 - 8:51AM

When Subaru does refresh the BRZ design, I hope they get rid of that chromed, "toilet bowl" shaped tub which the shift lever sits in. Its grotesque, in an otherwise attractive interior. Even a traditional leather or vinyl boot, would be preferable.