Long time no affordable sports car…
Even if you count the Mazda Miata – not the most manly ride known to man – it’s been decades since a true, affordable sports car has been for sale in this country. Nissan’s 370Z starts at $31,000 and change but the price rises pretty quick.
We’ll have to wait and see exactly how Subaru prices this one but with an expected sticker starting around $25,000 it beats the Z Car by a considerable amount. That said, knowing Subaru’s penchant for offering an infinitesimal array of options and add-ons, it won’t be hard to drive up the sticker price.
The Subaru BRZ debuted today in production form at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The big emphasis being on the BRZ’s low center of gravity, for which the car was designed. With 200 horespower and a curb weight of 2,700 pounds it won’t be a rocket, but it should be plenty speedy and handle like a cat.
Low centers of gravity have long been a hallmark of Subaru’s flat-four, 2.0-litter Boxer engine, although this one is reportedly almost all new.
There’s no turbo (for now) to worry about and it will come with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. No word on the mileage, but a good guess would be low to upper-mid 20s. The rear-drive car is expected to hit showrooms in May. So may the force be with you!
… nice …
It does look amazingly like the original Z car … in fact, more like a Z than the current Z. Imitation IS the sincerest form of flattery.
The current Z is a bloated heavyweight compared to the original …but it is a fun car. I own a 350Z that I bought in 2003, the first year of
the current reincarnation.
I might have to check this car out .. and you should too, Hearne. Ready to trade that Fart 500?
Dump the Fiat
While there’s still time! Now you can buy a real car if you don’t get cold feet and go for another chick wagon.
Maybe, but probably next April for a Fart 500 Abarth
Did it ever occur to you that you might hurt my feelings if I, uh, wasn’t as manly as you think I am? Thot so.
Now, I went from mid-40s to mid-high 30 mpgs in the Fiat. I’m trying to save the earth here, buddy, and promote world peace. Fiat assures me the mileage on the Abarth won’t go down that much.
My bet is this car will come in around 22 City, 28 highway.
The Subaru, I mean.
The next wave
This is the 240z of the 21 century.
I just took pictures of the BRZ at NAIAS in Detroit. It looks quick, but being only RWD bothers me from a Subaru. A brands identity is wrapped up in AWD and the new icon doesn’t have that… It shares a lot of similarities with the Scion FRS as well. The new Acura NSX concept looks great as well as the new Ford Fusion. Hearne, shoot me an email if you are looking for any help with the car section. I would like to contribute.