History of the Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ, a hallmark of engineering collaboration between Subaru and Toyota, is a narrative that intertwines the legacy of two automotive giants to create a sports car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. This partnership yielded not only the BRZ but also its Toyota counterparts, initially known as the Scion FR-S in North America and later as the Toyota GT-86 and, more recently, the GR86. The journey of these vehicles from their inception in 2013 to the present day second generation, beginning in 2022, is a testament to the evolving landscape of automotive engineering and design.

The collaboration between Subaru and Toyota was driven by a shared vision to produce a sports car that was affordable, fun to drive, and true to the essence of rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Subaru, with its expertise in boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems, and Toyota, with its vast resources and experience in manufacturing efficiency and hybrid technology, brought the best of both worlds. The first-generation BRZ and Scion FR-S, introduced in 2013, were lauded for their low center of gravity, thanks to the Subaru boxer engine, and a focus on lightweight construction and balanced handling. This generation was characterized by its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing around 200 horsepower, which was a deliberate choice to prioritize handling and driver engagement over raw power.

The relationship between Subaru and Toyota was not just a merger of technology but also a strategic alliance that allowed both companies to enter a market segment that was new to them at the time. The Scion FR-S, in particular, was aimed at a younger demographic, aligning with Scion’s brand identity of offering affordable, sporty vehicles. However, in 2016, Toyota decided to phase out the Scion brand, and the FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86 in North America, aligning it with the global nameplate, GT-86, and further solidifying the vehicle’s place in Toyota’s lineup.

This rebranding marked the beginning of a new chapter for the collaboration, which continued to focus on refining the driving experience. The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ saw incremental updates over the years, including slight bumps in power, revised suspension tuning for improved handling, and updated exterior and interior designs. These changes were aimed at keeping the car competitive and appealing to driving enthusiasts, reflecting the manufacturers’ commitment to continuous improvement.

The second generation of the BRZ and Toyota GR86, unveiled in 2022, marked a significant evolution in the collaboration’s journey. This new generation was designed with an emphasis on increased performance, improved driving dynamics, and modernized aesthetics. The new models feature a larger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, pushing out approximately 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, addressing one of the most common requests from fans and critics alike for more power.

Beyond the powertrain, the second-generation models boast a stiffer chassis and a lower center of gravity, further enhancing the driving experience. The exterior design received a comprehensive overhaul, with more aggressive styling cues that signal the cars’ performance capabilities, while the interior saw upgrades in materials and technology, making the cabin a more pleasant and engaging place to be.

The collaboration between Subaru and Toyota on the BRZ and GR86 demonstrates a successful partnership that leverages each company’s strengths to create a product that neither could have achieved alone. The engineering and performance improvements in each iteration of these models reflect a shared commitment to delivering vehicles that excite driving enthusiasts around the world. This partnership has not only resulted in the production of standout sports cars but has also shown the automotive industry the value of collaboration in achieving common goals.

Why Choose COBB for Your Subaru BRZ Mods

COBB has been the leader when it comes to aftermarket parts and tuning for nearly two decades.  From the humble beginnings of AccessFlash, which initially required ECU removal, to the current Accessport V3 with infinite capability, COBB continues to push the envelope on what’s possible with the stock ECU.

COBB Tuning approaches design by taking the entire vehicle-platform into account as a complete system. Our ultra-high-quality Subaru performance parts, aftermarket parts and industry-leading services are professionally engineered, thoroughly tested and backed by industry-leading customer service to ensure that they meet our objectives and exceed customer expectations.

We are a one-stop firm with an enviable set of qualified skills and the exceptional ability to design, engineer, manufacture, test and service our own performance modification parts under one roof. Whether it’s our state-of-the-art Accessport ECU programmer, our exceptional bolt-on performance products, COBB Tuning has the experience, skill and attitude to turn your ride into a completely modified Subarus.