Done right, subtle mods can mean the world
Subaru's rejuvenation recipe for the 2017 BRZ took full effect earlier this year, but now reviews are showing up on the internet claiming the comprehensive set of changes did the trick for the affordable coupé.
Looks, lightness, RWD, low price and a punchy engine make the Subaru BRZ an alluring sportscar.
But with the 2017 MY, the BRZ's behavior took a turn for the better courtesy of a series of mechanical tweaks.
For example, the 2.0-liter boxer engine received revised everything, from the intake manifold to valves and camshafts. The result is a power output bump to 205 hp, as compared to the 200 hp offered by the pre-facelift version. However, you should note that the hp boost is only available for the manual 2017 BRZ.
While it might not sound much, the increase in grunt is accompanied by a shorter final drive gear ratio (from 4.1 to 4.3), as well as chassis improvements in the form of updated coil springs and dampers, plus a new stabilizer bar.
In the video below, Engineering Explained details how the 2017 BRZ behaves and reacts better after the revamp. And just in case you're willing to buy one, remember that the starting sticker for the 2017 Subaru BRZ is $30,515.
Oh, and word of advice: ignore the automatic, go for the manual.