2017 Subaru BRZ Engine: Specs & Performance

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What Engine Powers the 2017 Subaru BRZ?

Hey car enthusiasts! Let's dive into the heart of the 2017 Subaru BRZ and explore what makes this sports car tick. The engine is the core of any vehicle, and the BRZ is no exception. Understanding its engine will help you appreciate its performance and capabilities on the road.

The 2017 Subaru BRZ comes equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, often referred to as a boxer engine. This engine configuration is a signature of Subaru, known for its compact size, low center of gravity, and balanced performance. The boxer engine's design allows the pistons to move horizontally, which helps reduce vibrations and contributes to a smoother driving experience. In the BRZ, this engine is tuned to deliver an engaging and responsive driving experience, making it a favorite among sports car enthusiasts. The engine's placement also plays a crucial role in the car's overall handling. By positioning the engine lower and further back in the chassis, Subaru engineers were able to achieve a near-perfect weight distribution. This contributes to the BRZ's nimble and predictable handling characteristics, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads and race tracks alike. Furthermore, the engine's compact dimensions allow for a lower hood line, improving visibility and enhancing the car's sporty appearance. The combination of these factors makes the 2.0-liter boxer engine a key element of the BRZ's appeal, blending performance with practicality in a way that few other sports cars can match.

Engine Specifications and Performance

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty details of the 2017 Subaru BRZ's engine. Knowing the specs will give you a clearer picture of what this car can do.

  • Engine Type: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder (boxer engine)
  • Horsepower: 205 hp at 7,000 rpm (manual transmission), 200 hp at 7,000 rpm (automatic transmission)
  • Torque: 156 lb-ft at 6,400 rpm (manual transmission), 151 lb-ft at 6,400 rpm (automatic transmission)
  • Redline: 7,400 rpm
  • Fuel Injection: Direct and port injection (Toyota D-4S system)

The 2.0-liter engine powering the 2017 Subaru BRZ is designed to offer a balance of performance and efficiency. Its 205 horsepower provides ample power for spirited driving, while its fuel-efficient design ensures that you won't be constantly visiting the gas station. The engine's high redline of 7,400 rpm encourages you to explore its full potential, making every drive an engaging experience. One of the key technologies that enhances the engine's performance is the Toyota D-4S direct and port injection system. This system combines the benefits of both direct and port injection, optimizing fuel delivery for improved power, efficiency, and emissions. Direct injection delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, allowing for more precise control over the combustion process and improved cooling of the intake charge. Port injection, on the other hand, injects fuel into the intake ports, which helps to clean the intake valves and reduce carbon buildup. By combining these two technologies, the D-4S system ensures that the engine operates at peak efficiency under a wide range of conditions. This advanced fuel injection system is one of the reasons why the BRZ is able to deliver such a compelling combination of performance and fuel economy. The engine's performance characteristics are also influenced by its unique boxer configuration. The horizontally opposed cylinders contribute to a lower center of gravity, which improves the car's handling and stability. Additionally, the boxer engine's design helps to reduce vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more refined driving experience. All of these factors combine to make the 2.0-liter engine a key component of the BRZ's appeal, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and refinement that is sure to satisfy driving enthusiasts.

Drivetrain and Transmission Options

The engine is only part of the equation. The drivetrain and transmission options also play a significant role in how the 2017 Subaru BRZ performs.

  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
  • Transmission Options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

The 2017 Subaru BRZ is exclusively rear-wheel drive (RWD), which is a key ingredient in its sporty character. Sending power to the rear wheels provides a more engaging and dynamic driving experience, allowing for precise control and exciting cornering capabilities. The RWD configuration also contributes to the car's balanced handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The availability of both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions caters to a wide range of drivers. The 6-speed manual is the purist's choice, offering a direct and engaging connection to the engine. Its precise shifts and well-spaced ratios allow drivers to fully exploit the engine's power band, making it ideal for spirited driving and track days. The manual transmission also features a short throw shifter, which enhances the driving experience by providing quick and precise gear changes. For those who prefer a more relaxed driving experience, the 6-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and effortless gear changes. The automatic transmission also includes paddle shifters, allowing drivers to manually select gears when desired. This provides a greater degree of control and engagement, making the automatic transmission a viable option for those who want the convenience of an automatic without sacrificing too much of the driving experience. Regardless of which transmission you choose, the 2017 Subaru BRZ delivers a fun and engaging driving experience. The combination of a powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, and well-engineered transmissions makes it a true driver's car. Whether you're carving up twisty roads or cruising around town, the BRZ is sure to put a smile on your face. The drivetrain and transmission options work together to enhance the engine's performance, providing a driving experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for any car. Let's see how the 2017 Subaru BRZ fares in this area.

  • Fuel Economy (Manual): 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
  • Fuel Economy (Automatic): 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined

For a sports car, the 2017 Subaru BRZ offers respectable fuel economy. With the manual transmission, you can expect around 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. Opting for the automatic transmission improves these figures to 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. These numbers make the BRZ a practical choice for daily driving, without sacrificing its sporty character. The fuel efficiency of the 2017 Subaru BRZ is a testament to the engineering efforts that went into optimizing the engine and drivetrain. The Toyota D-4S direct and port injection system plays a key role in maximizing fuel efficiency by ensuring that fuel is delivered precisely and efficiently to the combustion chamber. This system allows the engine to operate at peak efficiency under a wide range of conditions, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The BRZ's lightweight design also contributes to its fuel efficiency. By minimizing the car's weight, engineers were able to reduce the amount of energy required to propel it forward, resulting in improved fuel economy. The combination of these factors makes the BRZ a surprisingly fuel-efficient sports car, allowing drivers to enjoy its performance without having to worry about constantly filling up the gas tank. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the BRZ's fuel efficiency makes it a practical and enjoyable choice. The BRZ strikes a balance between performance and economy, making it an appealing option for drivers who want a fun and engaging car that won't break the bank at the pump. Its ability to deliver both thrills and efficiency is one of the many reasons why it remains a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.

Driving Experience

Now, let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2017 Subaru BRZ. This is where the magic happens!

The 2017 Subaru BRZ is known for its exceptional handling and engaging driving dynamics. The combination of a low center of gravity, rear-wheel drive, and a well-tuned suspension makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The car feels nimble and responsive, allowing you to confidently tackle corners and curves. The steering is precise and communicative, providing excellent feedback from the road. The BRZ's balanced chassis and predictable handling characteristics make it easy to control, even when pushing the limits. The engine's linear power delivery and high redline encourage you to explore its full potential, making every drive an adventure. The 6-speed manual transmission offers a direct and engaging connection to the engine, allowing you to fully exploit its power band. The short throw shifter and precise gear changes enhance the driving experience, making it a true driver's car. Even with the automatic transmission, the BRZ remains a fun and engaging car to drive. The paddle shifters allow you to manually select gears when desired, providing a greater degree of control and engagement. The BRZ's suspension is tuned to provide a balance of comfort and control. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road without sacrificing its sporty handling characteristics. The car feels planted and stable, even on rough surfaces. The BRZ's brakes are also well-suited to its performance capabilities. They provide strong and consistent stopping power, allowing you to confidently slow down from high speeds. The brake pedal feel is firm and responsive, providing excellent feedback and control. Overall, the driving experience of the 2017 Subaru BRZ is truly exceptional. It's a car that rewards skilled drivers with its precise handling and engaging dynamics. Whether you're carving up twisty roads or cruising around town, the BRZ is sure to put a smile on your face. It's a car that's designed to be driven and enjoyed, and it delivers on that promise in spades.

In summary, the 2017 Subaru BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer engine that offers a great balance of performance and efficiency. Paired with its rear-wheel-drive system and available manual transmission, it provides an engaging and fun driving experience. If you're looking for a sports car that's both enjoyable and practical, the BRZ is definitely worth considering. Drive safe, guys!