MOTOR RIVALS

The Subaru BRZ, known for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, offers several updates to increase its performance on the track and open roads. For improved responsiveness, stability and comfort, BRZ receives updated coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar. Additional reinforcements to the chassis were added to the strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate and the rear wheel housings to increase Subaru BRZ's rigidity. The stability control system thresholds are raised to further improve handing. The results are dramatic enough for Subaru to change the name of "Sport" mode to "Track".

The 2017 BRZ continues to evolve while maintaining a powerful design. The front bumper cover has been redesigned for a widened appearance and positioned lower for improved aerodynamics, control, and stability. The sport coupe's signature C-shaped headlights are upgraded to "kono-ji" style LED for improved light output and reduced power consumption. This new full-LED design, a first for Subaru, incorporates the turn signal and position light to complete the sleek new front fascia. New for 2017, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have been integrated into the new headlights and are standard equipment on all trims. The available fog lights have also converted to LED, allowing a more compact design and greater nighttime visibility. The updated fender garnish matches the body color but with a black insert that accentuates it in profile.

All trims now receive an aluminum rear spoiler in matching body color and black finish. The new pedestal design improves the vehicle's downforce, which in turn improves stability and control. As with the headlights, the rear combination lights have been updated to full-LED for better visibility and energy efficiency. Also the rear garnish above the license plate has a new design that comes standard on both trims. The Premium and Limited models receive a new 10-spoke, 17-in aluminum alloy wheel with a high-contract black and machined finish.

Powertrain

The Subaru BRZ SUBARU BOXER engine receives several internal updates for friction reduction including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads. The naturally aspirated 2.0 liter horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine is retuned to provide up to 205-hp, combining balance with power and efficiency. Direct- and port-injection technology provides more than 100 hp per liter without the need for turbocharging, while the Dual Active Valve Control System optimizes valve timing for maximum response all the way to the 7,400 RPM redline. Accompanied with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, the engine output in models with the 6-speed manual transmission is increased to 205-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque.

The BRZ features a standard 6-speed fully synchronized close-ratio manual transmission for pinpoint command. The BRZ Limited also offers 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, combining the convenience of an automatic with the thrills of race-style gear shifting. Also, a lower final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1, paired with the standard Torsen limited-slip differential, improves acceleration on models with manual transmission.

Chassis

The 2017 BRZ now offers the Performance Package for drivers who demand even more from a sports car. The Performance Package is available on the Limited model with the manual transmission. The BRZ is designed to perform like a sports car should, with independent MacPherson struts in the front and independent double wishbone suspension in the back. The Performance Package features Sachs dampers to provide a composed ride and help give the BRZ better control while cornering. This package also features the Brembo performance brake system for track-ready, fade-free stopping power, along with exclusive, wider 17x7.5-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

An ultra-quick 13.1:1 steering ratio provides instantaneous response to driver inputs and an outstanding feel for the road. The limited-slip differential provides both improved grip and predictable behavior, even when pushed to the limit. A low 2,785-lb base curb weight enhances reflexes and sharpens handling for an overall improved performance.

Technology

Two Trim Levels: Premium and Limited Subaru offers the 2017 BRZ in Premium and Limited trims. A comprehensive infotainment configuration anchored by the standard SUBARU STARLINK 6.2" Multimedia System includes: 6.2-in. high resolution multi-function touch screen display; AM/FM stereo and HD Radio; Single-disc in-dash CD player with 8 speakers; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Pandora and Aha; Subaru STARLINK apps including iHeart Radio and Stitcher; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; SiriusXM Satellite Radio and TravelLink; Rear vision camera.

Performance gets smarter with all-new 4.2-inch LCD screen integrated into the instrument cluster, incorporating driver information like a digital G-force meter and lap time display. STARLINK Multimedia connects apps to your vehicle and to your fingertips. Access news, navigation, food, weather, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other multimedia content through Pandora, Aha, STARLINK apps and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Whether you use an iOS or Android device, you can keep your hands on the wheel and attention on the road. Navigate in complete confidence with expert cloud-based navigation and routing by Magellan. Designed for SUBARU STARLINK, available Magellan NAVI allows you to plan the perfect route directly from your in-dash display without ever having to touch your smartphone.

Safety

Subaru's Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven in all Subaru models since its introduction in 2000, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the Subaru BRZ. The compact SUBARU BOXER engine enhances safety by allowing more crush room in front and on the sides. High-strength front seat frames provide increased protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.

For protection inside the vehicle, the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System utilizes dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags. Deployment strength depends on the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel, and whether there is a child or adult occupying the passenger seat. Front seat side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags offer additional security for front and rear occupants.

The Mazda MX-5 has been tremendously popular with car enthusiasts around the world and will soon reach the 1 million mark in global production volume. While the fourth-generation soft-top model honed the pure driving pleasure of a lightweight sports car, the hardtop model, with its exquisite fastback styling and a new open-top feel, has a personality all its own. By the end of the third-generation MX-5's model life, the retractable hardtop model accounted for more than half of all MX-5s sold and was popular with those who wanted all-season comfort and utility.

As a member of the MX-5 family, the fourth-generation retractable hardtop model embodies the core value of "Lots of fun," which the MX-5 has consistently offered since 1989. At the same time it features a new and unique design, and lets occupants enjoy a new kind of open-air driving feel. Therefore, our challenge was to create a name that would more accurately define this new, more premium experience we envision will attract a new kind of buyer yet preserve the unchanging values that MX-5 fans have admired since the inception of the model. The result was Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback), a name that denotes the model's retractable hardtop and fastback styling, and will surely resonate with enthusiasts and drivers around the world.

The design goal for the Mazda MX-5 RF was to create the ideal form for a hardtop version of the MX-5. In other words, it was to achieve an entirely new roof design that combines a beautiful cabin with the silhouette of a hardtop and the same level of open-air comfort and freedom afforded by the soft-top version. To this end, Mazda set about creating an uncompromising design based on the following four ideals.

The Mazda MX-5 RF features unique styling when the roof is open by which the overhead roof panels and back window glass are stowed away out of sight. The result is a pleasing sense of freedom combined with a reassuring feeling of being wrapped securely in the cabin. This combines with the enjoyable exhaust note coming from the rear of the car to amplify the fun of open-air driving. The basic design features are essentially the same as on the soft-top model. This includes the elaborate three-meter cluster and sharp-looking, compact steering wheel, as well as the horizontal layout of the instrument panel and strong sense of front-rear movement conveyed by the door trim. The two points that differ on the Mazda MX-5 RF are as follows.

Powertrain

ENGINE TYPE SKYACTIV-G 2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT
HORSEPOWER 155 hp @ 6000 rpm
TORQUE 148 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
REDLINE 6800 rpm
DISPLACEMENT (CC) 1998
BORE X STROKE (MM) 83.5 x 91.2
COMPRESSION RATIO 13:1
FUEL SYSTEM Electronically controlled fuel injection
RECOMMENDED FUEL Premium unleaded, 91 octane or greater
MINIMUM OCTANE REQUIREMENT Regular unleaded, 87 octane or greater
VALVETRAIN Chain-driven dual overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder with variable intake valve timing (VVT)
IGNITION SYSTEM Distributor-less ignition
ENGINE BLOCK Aluminum alloy
CYLINDER HEAD Aluminum alloy
EMISSION CONTROL TYPE (FED/CAL) ULEV2-B / Tier2 Bin5
EPA-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (CITY/HWY)* 27/34
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (CITY/HWY)* 27/36
TYPE Front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive
MANUAL TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 6-speed sport AT with steering-wheel mounted manual shift paddles

Chassis

CHASSIS Monocoque unibody with backbone frame construction and front and rear suspension subframes
BRAKES 4-wheel disc
- FRONT 11-in. vented discs w/single-piston calipers
- REAR 11-in. solid discs w/single-piston aluminum calipers
- ABS 4-wheel, 4-channel with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
STEERING TYPE Rack-and-pinion
POWER ASSIST Double pinion electric power assist (DP-EPAS)
OVERALL STEERING RATIO 15.5:1
STEERING WHEEL TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.7
TURNING CIRCLE DIAMETER, CURB-TO-CURB (FT) Diameter 30.8 ft / Radius 15.4 ft
SUSPENSION 4-wheel independent
- FRONT Double wishbone
- REAR Multi-link
SHOCK ABSORBERS Monotube
WHEEL SIZE (IN) 16 x 6.5-in. aluminum
TIRE SIZE AND TYPE P195/50 R16 high-performance summer
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
CURB WEIGHT (LBS)
- MANUAL TRANSMISSION 2332
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2,381
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION (FRONT/REAR) 53/47
FUEL CAPACITY (GALLONS) 11.89