The Tokyo Motor Show comes with yet another reveal, this time the SubaruBRZ. The BRZ is rear-wheel drive and features a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine. If the Subaru BRZ looks similar to the Toyota 86 thats no coincidence, as both vehicles were developed as a joint venture by the two companies.
The engine in the Subaru BRZ was positioned lower than previous Subaru models, which gives the car a very low centre of gravity. So low in fact, that it has one of the lowest centres of gravity in the market today, which has led to impressive handling and a great driving experience.
The low centre of gravity of the vehicle was achieved by creating an engine that was more compact, by adopting a shorter intake manifold and shallower oil pan. The transmission is a 6-speed manual or automatic, with the manual incorporating a short stroke shift lever. The lever has been optimized in its rigidity, shift quality and weight application. The automatic transmission has an S mode which enables better shift responses and an M mode for optional shifting.
Look for more information on the Subaru BRZ as it becomes available.