Both the Toyota FT-86 and the equivalent product from Subaru remain vaporware, but at least we now know what Subaru will call their version of the front engine, rear drive sports coupe. Ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Subaru has announced the new car will be called the “BRZ,” short for Boxer engine, plus Rear wheel drive, and Zenith (to denote a high point of Subaru’s sports car evolution).
If you’re looking for a production version to be shown at Frankfurt, you’re in for a serious disappointment. Subaru will show a “technology concept” in Frankfurt, in much the same way that Toyota / Scion has been showing “styling exercises” of their version for the past two years. There’s no further detail on what will power the car (aside from a Subaru-built boxer engine), or whether or not an STI version is in the works, but Subaru says that production will start in the spring of 2012. Assuming they can keep that deadline, that means the car will hit U.S. dealer showrooms sometime next summer.
If you want further detail (and there isn’t much available), Subaru has set up a microsite dedicated to the BRZ concept to be shown in Frankfurt.
Source: Subaru
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
