The 232-horsepower versions for the Japanese market of the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ were jointly announced this morning. While the latter visually resembles the 228-horsepower car from the U.S. market introduced in November, it was the first time Japan saw its specifications for the domestic market.
The images showcase a more aggressive BRZ equipped with aerodynamic enhancements. A lower front spoiler wraps around the lower bumper, while side intakes add LED fog lights. Moving backward, the rocker panels add a pair of small fins just in front of the rear wheels.
From the rear view, we see a more substantial underbody spoiler and rally-style vortex generators along the rear edge of the roof. The trunk lid also carries a thin black spoiler. However, that seems to be interchangeable with a larger touring-style wing made of carbon fiber.
A set of Y-spoke wheels may help differentiate the BRZ from its Toyota twin, which in the production version has the same wheels. They even have a bronze finish, perhaps a subtle nod to the gold wheels for which Subaru rally cars were known.
A side vent trim and a sporty exhaust complete the offerings, the latter of which has been stamped with the STI logo, Subaru’s racing division may have had something to do with its design, but it’s more likely to be a version of the tS, or “tuned by STI” – more refined than a full STI variant.
It should be noted that these parts are described as in development and appear to be only for Japan, at least for now. A camouflaged 2022 BRZ equipped with some of these elements was tested at Fuji Speedway in December.
The parts help offset the subdued appearance of the new BRZ, adding a bit of fun to the more mature face.
It is almost certain that Toyota will offer a set of tuning parts for the 86 under its Gazoo Racing or TRD brands. If there was indeed a “friendly rivalry” against the 86 development team, as Toyota claims, it will be interesting to see how Toyota responds.
