INDIANAPOLIS — Some of the greatest cars have been birthed by the craziest mix of parents. Who would have thought Toyota and Subaru could conjure one of the all-time best sports cars with a delightful brew of classic Celica, modern Supra, WRX rally car, and a pinch of Porsche Cayman. There’s even a little back seat to get the kiddies to school. It’s the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS.
Its front facia, boomerang taillamps, and WR Blue Pearl paint are pure Subaru. I like the aggressive side sills, body color spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets that add drama out back. But it doesn’t take long to see some Toyota Supra in the bubble coupe profile. It’s not surprising since the BRZ and Toyota GR86 are essentially the same car. Look closer and there’s a bit of Porsche Cayman in there too. It all works well planted over dark 18” wheels fronting gold brake calipers. An optional convertible top would make it even better.
There’s a blending of styles and parts inside too. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and touchscreen are from Toyota, but the controls and seats channel Subaru. Given the finnicky operation of Subaru’s tablet touchscreen, I’ll take the simpler screen in the BRZ. While it does have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, they are not wireless and USBs are not compatible with Apple’s latest format. Digital instruments add a modern touch and are easy to read when you’re driving earnestly.
Cars like this tend to have super hard seats, tight legroom, and manual everything. Not the BRZ. Sueded seats are grippy, but also heated and thickly padded. Suede and blue stitching dress the cabin while automatic climate control and deep audio ease the drive. There’s even a large dead pedal on the left and adaptive cruise so drivers can relax. Automatic emergency braking blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection add margins of safety no matter where you’re going.
None of this is surprising since even the high-performance Subaru WRX rally car is comfortable during daily driving, but unlike other Subarus that come standard with all-wheel-drive, the BRZ is only rear-drive for that flick-wrist sports car feel. A good set of winter tires plus standard stability control should set you straight for most inclement weather.
You have to rev the snot out of it, but the Subaru-sourced 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s enough to run 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds, but dropping in the WRX’ turbocharged engine would light this party properly and provide a raft of torque to relax daily driving. Besides, it really couldn’t make the current 20/27-MPG city/highway much worse. This car really needs a taller sixth gear in the snick-snick manual transmission for highway cruising.
The chassis with STI-tuned suspension and limited-slip rear differential could certainly handle more power. It feels welded to the road on fast asphalt, but also glides over rougher pavement. Magical. But it’s the engine that makes it all possible. As with Porsche, Subaru engines have horizontally-opposed cylinders that enable the engine to be placed low in the chassis for the balanced handling one expects in a sports car. It also allows a very low hoodline for excellent visibility that reminds me very much of the Cayman.
Some drivers will buy the BRZ as a fun way to get to get groceries while others will savor every curvy road and hot on-ramp. No matter who you are, I think you’ll agree strange parenting made a pretty special car. And, it’s also relatively affordable with a $31,095 base price, rising to $36,465 as-tested. Also consider the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Z, and similar Toyota GR86.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.
Likes
- Balanced handling
- Cozy interior
- Everyday usability
Dislikes
- No turbo
- No convertible
- Fuel economy
2024 Subaru BRZ tS
Four-passenger, RWD Coupe
Powertrain: 2.4-liter I4, 6-spd
Output: 228hp/184 lb.-ft.
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels f/r: 18”/18” alloy
Brakes f/r: disc/disc
0-60 mph: 5.8s
Top speed: 140 mph
Fuel economy city/hwy: 20/27-MPG
Assembly: Ota, Gunma, Japan
Base/as-tested price: $31,095/$36,465
