2017 Subaru BRZ Updated: Easier, BRZ-ier, Better-Looking

After rolling out several minor updates for its BRZ sports coupe over the past few years, Subaru is making changes for the 2017 model that might be substantive enough to convince current owners to upgrade—or pull buyers who are on the fence into the fold. As previewed by the updates made to its Toyota 86 twin (previously known as the Scion FR-S), the 2017 BRZ gets more power, revised suspension tuning, a few visual changes, and a newly available Performance package.

The BRZ’s 2.0-liter flat-four has less internal friction and increased airflow, resulting in a small uptick in output of 5 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque, for new totals of 205 and 156. Aided by slightly shorter gearing, acceleration is claimed to be improved—at least with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Neither the higher output nor the different gearing applies to cars with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, but buyers who choose the automatic on this coupe probably won’t mind anyway.

Subaru also applied some tuning changes to the BRZ’s already nicely balanced chassis. The springs and dampers are new, and the rear anti-roll bar is larger than before. Structural rigidity increases thanks to new reinforcements for the strut-tower braces, the transmission crossmember plate, and the rear-wheel housings. The stability-control system also has been revised, with the previous Sport mode permitting more slip angle before intervening, prompting Subaru to rename this mode “Track.”

For the first time, the BRZ will be offered with a Performance package for manual-transmission Limited models. It includes upgrades for those who plan on frequenting track days. Larger front and rear brakes with Brembo calipers promise improved stopping power and greater fade resistance; the package also includes Sachs performance dampers and black-painted 17-inch wheels.

Subtle styling changes include a mildly revised front end with new LED headlights and a reshaped bumper cover, while full-LED taillights and a new rear spoiler dress up all trim levels. New 10-spoke wheels also are on the menu. On the inside, the biggest change is a new 4.2-inch LCD display in the gauge cluster (for Limited models) that can display performance metrics including lateral and braking g’s, steering angle, and lap times. The steering wheel also is new.

Expect pricing for the 2017 BRZ to rise slightly compared with the 2016 model’s $26,190 starting MSRP. We don’t yet know how much the Performance package will cost—or if the Toyota 86 will offer a similar option—but information is likely to become available as we near the updated BRZ’s on-sale date later this year. Before then, we may see some sort of special-edition version of the BRZ, as suggested by a teaser photo of a bright-yellow BRZ’s rear end. We’ll find out what it is soon enough, on June 12, so stay tuned.