2017 Subaru BRZ: We’re Testing it on the Track this Week

The Car Guide is headed to the Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit on Canada’s West Coast this week to get a firsthand look at the changes made to the Subaru BRZ.

Since its introduction in 2012, some 55 000 units of this sports car have been sold worldwide. Even though distribution was limited, they’re not holding back on updating the model. The brand’s engineers have come up with a whole series of changes for the 2017 versions. This includes a boost in engine output to 205 horsepower (that’s 5 more ponies than before) for versions equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. Power remains the same with the automatic.

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Changes were also made to the suspension, which is now firmer in front and more forgiving in the rear for improved chassis response when cornering. The electronic stability control was also tweaked to allow more slip angle before intervening during sport driving. Brembo brake callipers are available on some versions.

The BRZ’s styling has also been revised, and the front treatment redesigned. The headlights and taillights now feature LEDs, and a fixed aluminum spoiler has been added. The 2017 BRZ was also treated to a new multifunction sport steering wheel, borrowed from the WRX, as well as a performance indicator in the instrument cluster.

Check back later this week for a full test drive report following our encounter with the 2017 Subaru BRZ on the circuit.