Subaru Hopes BRZ Design Tweaks, Power Bump Get Buyers Hot and Bothered

Are modest improvements in looks and power enough to revive consumer interest in the Subaru BRZ? The automaker sure hopes so.

A host of small changes were just announced for the rear-drive coupe’s 2017 model year, which sees its sister car (the Scion FR-S Toyota 86) switch identities. Every change aims to nudge the BRZ closer to what the public feels it should be — a performance car worthy of special status.

Well, looks are the first thing buyers will notice. For 2017, the BRZ’s face grows meaner, with a redesigned front fascia, wider grille and LED headlights. Exterior trim sees some minor changes, and an aluminum spoiler now comes standard on all models.

Underneath, Subaru added chassis reinforcements to boost the BRZ’s rigidity. Suspension upgrades, including a larger rear stabilizer bar, have improved handling in mind.

If you’re the type who likes to show off, the BRZ’s stability control system becomes less intrusive, with a higher threshold to cross before the electronic nannies pounce. Because of this, “sport” mode now becomes “track” mode.

A Performance Package is available for improved braking and suspension feel.

What about power, you ask? Prepare to get excited about five more horsepower and five added pounds-feet of torque, in manual transmission models only. Output now stands at 205 hp and 156 lb-ft, though a lowered final drive ratio (4.3:1, instead of 4.1:1) should help improve acceleration.

In Limited trim, a driver information display will log your BRZ’s handling data in a readout next to the tachometer. Other interior improvements include more convenient audio and display controls.

With the 2017 BRZ, it looks like Subaru took the “everything in moderation” approach to the makeover. With BRZ sales falling since its first full year on the market (2013), are the changes big enough to get consumers excited again?

[Image: Subaru of America]