I hate to admit it, but I was among those craving for a turbocharged motor in the second-gen 2022 Subaru BRZ. And yet, here it is, still without a turbo. Strangely enough, I still find it exciting. For starters, Subaru heeded our plea for more power. In return, the carmaker gave the 2022 BRZ a larger and an all-new 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed engine, a venerable replacement to the anemic FA20/4U-GSE 2.0-liter motor of the first-gen model.

The styling has also taken a few steps towards genuine grand-touring sportiness. Have you seen those rear wheel arches" Okay Subaru, I get it. From an enthusiast?s perspective, I can?t wrap my head around why Subaru has yet to infuse the new BRZ with some STI DNA, particularly from the brand?s glorious rallying past. The platform is already there, and the BRZ is a two-door coupe with a manual, for crying out loud!
However, I understand the ins and outs of jointly developing a low volume sports car. The fact of the matter is that Subaru made the new BRZ a better car than before, which does mean a lot.

2022 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Engine & Powertrain

It?s only proper to start with the motor. The 2022 Subaru BRZ now has a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine. It now produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque, which is 23 more horsepower and 28 more lb-ft. of torque than before. The engine is paired to either a six-speed manual gearbox with a short-throw shifter or an optional six-spe...