The 2013 Subaru BRZ. Image: Subaru
Blame it on a strong yen against a weak dollar or blame it on waiting for the competition (in this case, Scion) to show its hand, but Subaru has finally priced the BRZ sport coupe. First, here’s a reminder: the Scion FR-S will start at $24,930 with a six-speed manual transmission, or $26,030 with a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic. Of the two, the Scion is meant to be the bargain brand, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Per Subaru, the BRZ will be priced from $26,245 with the manual transmission, or from $27,345 with the automatic. That buys a car in Premium trim, which comes standard with things like a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and auxiliary inputs. Opt for the Limited version (which starts at $28,250 for the manual, or $29,350 for the automatic) and you’ll get amenities like heated front seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a security system and remote keyless entry.
The $1,315 difference in base price can easily be justified by the BRZ’s standard features (like the nav system) that don’t come in the Scion FR-S. It’s clear that Subaru is aiming the BRZ at a slightly older audience, and it’s also importing fewer examples to keep demand (and thus pricing) high.
Subaru still hasn’t announced an official “on sale” date, but we expect to see the first shipments arrive at dealers by Memorial Day weekend.
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.
