Author Topic: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1  (Read 28349 times)

Offline Autos_Editor

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Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« on: August 08, 2012, 04:03:24 am »


James drives the antidote to last week's dull but practical Camry Hybrid--the thrilling and razor-sharp Subaru BRZ.
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Offline initial_D

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2012, 04:15:57 am »
Looking forward to read the full-4-day-week impression. Can't think of anything not to like about this so far.

Offline Fobroader

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2012, 10:18:29 am »
Cant wait to hear what Autos.ca inhouse Stig thinks about this car.
Lighten up Francis.....

Offline johngenx

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2012, 10:35:19 am »
This is one of the most interesting cars to hit showroom floors in a while, and that is during the massive HP wars that are bringing us 660hp beasts.  Why?  Because a large number of folks that can afford a new car can afford THIS car.  We've got a nice little cadre of affordable performance cars (Genesis Coupe, etc) but none that bring such attention to chassis development AND value to the table.

And from Toyota and Subaru together?  Who knew their first real collaboration would be this?  Also, it's stunning that Canadian Subaru customers are treated to pricing that is not a 30-40% premium over their US counterparts.  I suspect that is all Toyota's doing, as there was no way Subaru Canada could price the BRZ dramatically higher than the FRS.  I bet there were a few apoplectic SoC execs...

Offline CSH

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2012, 10:56:56 am »
Once you drive it can you comment on the harsh ride...

Offline wing

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2012, 11:00:41 am »
The ride is not harsh if you want a sports car.  If you are looking for a luxury car look elsewhere

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Offline walk0080

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2012, 11:06:45 am »
To the OP, you mention the car is slow compared to your own car... what are you normally driving?

I am curious what this car is like as a daily driver. I suspect that the lack of low end torque could be an issue for regular or spirited city driving as well as for AutoX. I would think you really need a track to get the most out of this car.

I have not driven this car myself yet. But based on video reviews, that boxer engine sounds quite awful. What does it sound like in person from inside the cockpit?

Perhaps you can compare to a Mazda MX-5? I think I would personally cross shop those two cars.
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Offline CanuckS2K

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2012, 11:09:47 am »
The ride is not harsh if you want a sports car.  If you are looking for a luxury car look elsewhere

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

I'd welcome a harsh ride for driving dynamics similar to my S2000.  Looking forward to reading your full review on it over the next few days.  Have fun! 
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Offline wing

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2012, 11:15:55 am »
Walk0080. I have a supercharged s2000 so more than 100 hp more, similar weight.

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Offline Mike

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2012, 11:18:23 am »
The ride is not harsh if you want a sports car.  If you are looking for a luxury car look elsewhere

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

That's right

Offline Blueprint

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2012, 11:21:13 am »
Walk0080. I have a supercharged s2000 so more than 100 hp more, similar weight.

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...I hoped you weren't comparing with the Yaris  ;D

My biggest complaint about the Toyobaru twins: The Scion FR-S should have been a Toyota Celica.  The 2+2 body style fits more the Celica's heritage than the Corolla SR-5's, AE86 or otherwise (and I did own a Celica GT and a rwd Corolla SR-5).
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Offline walk0080

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2012, 11:33:30 am »
Walk0080. I have a supercharged s2000 so more than 100 hp more, similar weight.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
That sounds great - one of my favorite cars. An S2000 but supercharged - I imagine that removes the lack of low end torque from the S2000?

Offline SaskSpecV

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2012, 12:14:51 pm »
Also, it's stunning that Canadian Subaru customers are treated to pricing that is not a 30-40% premium over their US counterparts.  I suspect that is all Toyota's doing, as there was no way Subaru Canada could price the BRZ dramatically higher than the FRS.  I bet there were a few apoplectic SoC execs...

Good point John - I never considered that the Toyota version's pricing was bound to constrain Subaru.  It will be interesting to see the future sales breakdown between the FR-S and BRZ, and reasons for any discrepancy (differences in pricing / styling / vehicle content? Vehicle allocation to dealerships? Scion dealership availability?)

Offline johngenx

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Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2012, 12:20:29 pm »
Celica were originally RWD 2+2 cars. The name would have been perfect!  Good call...
« Last Edit: August 08, 2012, 09:34:45 pm by johngenx »

Offline wing

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2012, 12:24:24 pm »
Walk0080. I have a supercharged s2000 so more than 100 hp more, similar weight.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
That sounds great - one of my favorite cars. An S2000 but supercharged - I imagine that removes the lack of low end torque from the S2000?

Not really it adds a little low end torque but a ton of horsepower.

Offline nlm

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2012, 12:48:40 pm »

I have not driven this car myself yet. But based on video reviews, that boxer engine sounds quite awful.

I may asked this before but does the engine have the downpipe with the distinctive burble?

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #16 on: August 08, 2012, 12:49:25 pm »
I wonder if Mazda will have an answer to this car...beyond the MX5.

Offline aaronk

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Re: Day-by-Day Review: 2013 Subaru BRZ; Day 1
« Reply #17 on: August 08, 2012, 01:38:31 pm »
I wonder if Mazda will have an answer to this car...beyond the MX5.

That's a good question. Perhaps they consider the 'Speed3 as their go-fast compact and that's that.

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Offline wing

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