Subaru launches a new enhanced BRZ Coupe, the one model car now offers TRACK mode as standard.

The update covers every area of BRZ; exterior, interior, powertrain, suspension and safety, refining the driving experience whilst enhancing sports car appeal.

The Coupe shape remains, but is enhanced with a wider, lower stance at the front end. This isn’t just for show, as the 45⁰ stepped accent on the bumper limits airflow into the air intake, which improves handling and ride. The BRZ’s face is finished off with full-LED headlights, a Subaru first. 

New design rear lamps and aerodynamic pedestal spoiler top off the rear of the car, and the wheels are now a 10 spoke aluminium design.

Inside, a 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-information display has been added into the instrument panel. 

The display features a G force meter, steering angle gauge, brake force gauge, lap timer and torque/power curves for bringing out the sportier side of any driver. 

The steering wheel has also been redesigned into a smaller package with different leather to increase the driver’s grip for a more engaging experience and is finished off with audio control switches. 

Focus has been directed to upgrading the feel of components by using higher quality materials throughout the cabin, including Alcantara and leather seats.

BRZ was built to deliver a linear driving feel, ensuring that the car responds exactly as the driver intended. Keeping this concept in mind, the BRZ’s suspension, engine and drivetrain have been further refined to further enhance its poised handling and driving experience.

Inside the Subaru hallmark Boxer engine, the strength of the cylinder blocks has been increased. 

The valve stems have been buffed and polished, the camshaft is lower friction and the weight of the rocker arms has been reduced. These changes couple together to result in a more responsive, fuel efficient engine.  

The dampers have been redesigned to reduce body roll, increase precision whilst cornering, as well as damping vibration, therefore delivering improved ride comfort whilst being dynamically focussed.

For sporty drivers, the new TRACK mode enhances the stability of the car and allows for more refined accelerator inputs when driving on race circuits and consolidates the previous 5 VDC modes into 4. 

For the urban drivers, there is a new type of Hill Start Assist (HSA) to help with uphill starts or downhill reversing.

On the safety front, there is also a next-generation advanced airbag system which uses upgraded sensors for a greater level of safety.

From Spring 2017, the BRZ will be available in SE Lux trim only with either a manual or automatic transmission.

USA - Subaru launches the 2017 Model Year BRZ Sports car, with both exterior and interior upgrades.

• Improved Performance and Handling
• New Performance Package
• Refined and Powerful Exterior Design
• Updated Interior Styling and Features
• Standard LED Headlights and Taillights
• All-new Track Mode

Subaru of America Inc. today announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 BRZ including improved handling, increased performance, more aggressive styling and new convenience features. These enhancements continue the company’s original mission of offering enthusiasts a pure sports car with an unmatched driving experience.

The BRZ, known for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, offers several updates to increase its performance on the track and open roads.  

For improved responsiveness, stability and comfort, BRZ receives updated coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar.  

Additional reinforcements to the chassis were added to the strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate and the rear wheel housings to increase BRZ’s rigidity.  

The stability control system thresholds are raised to further improve handing.  The results are dramatic enough for Subaru to change the name of “Sport” mode to “Track”.  

The BRZ 2.0-liter SUBARU BOXER engine receives several internal updates for friction reduction including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads.  

Accompanied with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, the engine output in models with the 6-speed manual transmission is increased to 205-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque.  

Also, a lower final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1, paired with the standard Torsen® limited-slip differential, improves acceleration on models with manual transmission.   

Now standard on all models is Incline Start Assist.  This system holds the vehicle momentarily in position while the driver accelerates to prevent roll back on an incline. 

Exterior & Interior Updates

The 2017 BRZ continues to evolve while maintaining a powerful design.  The front bumper cover has been redesigned for a widened appearance and positioned lower for improved aerodynamics, control, and stability.  The sport coupe’s signature C-shaped headlights are upgraded to “kono-ji” style LED for improved light output and reduced power consumption.  

This new full-LED design, a first for Subaru, incorporates the turn signal and position light to complete the sleek new front fascia. New for 2017, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have been integrated into the new headlights and are standard equipment on all trims.  

The available fog lights have also converted to LED, allowing a more compact design and greater nighttime visibility.  The updated fender garnish matches the body color but with a black insert that accentuates it in profile.  

All trims now receive an aluminum rear spoiler in matching body color and black finish.  The new pedestal design improves the vehicle’s downforce, which in turn improves stability and control.  As with the headlights, the rear combination lights have been updated to full-LED for better visibility and energy efficiency.  

Also the rear garnish above the license plate has a new design that comes standard on both trims.  The Premium and Limited models receive a new 10-spoke, 17-in aluminum alloy wheel with a high-contract black and machined finish. 

Focusing on the driver experience led Subaru to institute several key updates to the cockpit.  New for the Limited model is a 4.2-in LCD multifunction display positioned to the right of the prominent tachometer.  

This driver information readout provides access to vehicle performance including lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temperature, and battery voltage as well as an integrated stop watch for recording lap times.  

The redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel has a firmer, sportier feel along with new audio controls and multifunction display switches for greater control and convenience while driving.  Paddle shift control switches are also standard on BRZ Limited with the optional automatic transmission.  

Limited model interior upgrades also include a wrapped meter visor, updated HVAC control panel updated, and “BRZ” embroidered in red on the front seatbacks. 

Performance Package

The 2017 BRZ now offers the Performance Package for drivers who demand even more from a sports car.  The Performance Package is available on the Limited model with the manual transmission and includes Brembo® calipers and larger rotors on both front and rear brakes.  

This advanced braking system gives BRZ a significant boost in stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.  SACHS® Performance shock absorbers are added to all four corners for improved ride and corning stability.  Also included in the package are unique 17-in x 7.5-in black aluminum alloy wheels. 

Two Trim Levels: Premium and Limited

Subaru offers the 2017 BRZ in Premium and Limited trims. The Subaru tradition of outstanding value is evident in both trim levels with their long list of standard amenities. 

Key among these is a comprehensive infotainment configuration anchored by the standard SUBARU STARLINK™ 6.2” Multimedia System that includes:

• 6.2-in. high resolution multi-function touch screen display
• AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®
• Single-disc in-dash CD player with 8 speakers
• Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Pandora® and Aha®  
• Subaru STARLINK apps including iHeart® Radio and Stitcher™
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming
• SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and TravelLink™
• Rear vision camera 

The Subaru BRZ Limited offers additional comfort and amenities while still keeping vehicle weight low. Externally, the BRZ Limited is distinguished in front with LED fog lights and standard All-Weather Package that includes dual-mode heated front seats and heated side mirrors.  Inside, the seats are upholstered with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters.

The BRZ Limited substitutes a dual-zone automatic climate control for the Premium model’s manual HVAC system, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start enhances both convenience and the sporty attitude. A full security system augments the engine immobilizer that is standard in the Premium model. In the Limited, the dual visor vanity mirrors are illuminated, and front door courtesy lights illuminate when the doors are opened.  Paddle-shift control switches that are standard on BRZ Limited with automatic transmission. 

Safety

Subaru’s Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven in all Subaru models since its introduction in 2000, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the BRZ.  The compact SUBARU BOXER engine enhances safety by allowing more crush room in front and on the sides.  High-strength front seat frames provide increased protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. 

For protection inside the vehicle, the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System utilizes dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags.  Deployment strength depends on the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel, and whether there is a child or adult occupying the passenger seat.  Front seat side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags offer additional security for front and rear occupants. 

Subaru designs cars that are fun to drive and give drivers a sense of excitement through each and every turn and this tradition continues with the 2017 BRZ.  The Premium and Limited models will begin arriving at retailers in early September while the Limited with the Performance Package will arrive at retailers Winter 2017. 

Peugeot develops what can only be called a stonking, awesome supercar, in a family hatchback,

• Advanced HYbrid plug-in technology produces a combined 500hp and new levels of performance
• Developed by PEUGEOT Sport, with four-wheel drive and 0-62mph in just four seconds
• Yet the 308 R HYbrid Concept has CO₂ emissions of just 70g/km – impressive performance

Feast your eyes on the ultimate 308. PEUGEOT has unveiled a stunning new version of the award-winning compact family hatchback – with a combined 500bhp and four-wheel drive.

Badged the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid, it has been developed by PEUGEOT Sport, the brand’s famous in-house engineering and racing division, which last year unveiled the critically acclaimed RCZ R. The car’s plug-in petrol hybrid powertrain pushes the boundaries of sporting prowess in the segment, offering a truly extraordinary performance. The car is capable of hitting 62mph (100km/h) in 4.0 seconds, yet still has astonishingly low CO₂ emissions of 70g/km.

“PEUGEOT Sport’s expertise applies an uncompromising approach to meeting targets. With our experience in hybrid vehicles developed with the PEUGEOT 908, the high-performance hybrid powertrain fitted to the 308 gives a glimpse of the potential for ultra-sports models in the future,” says Bruno Famin, Director at PEUGEOT Sport.

The contemporary style and sporting prowess of the 308 – the Car of the Year 2014 – remain clearly visible. However, the 308 R HYbrid also re-imagines design cues explored on the Quartz concept, seen most recently at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

With front and rear tracks widened by 80mm and riding on 235/35 R19 tyres, the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid has been created to devour the road. Its front end styling is dynamic and imposing, with expressive louvres on the bonnet and sharp edges combined with sleek surfaces in its bumper.

The grille features a chequered pattern which allows air to cool the innovative 500hp powertrain. The side scoops are home to the sequential LED indicators, while the central scoop sports the 308 R HYbrid signature.

In profile, the 308 R HYbrid’s dramatic paint finish can be truly appreciated. Cloaked in an intense blue and developed using fluorescent pigments and glass particles, this colour salutes both the hybrid powertrain and the shade historically reserved for French competition vehicles. On the rear doors, the blue is matched with a matte black, giving a new interpretation of the car’s clean lines.

At the rear, the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is remarkably understated, with a narrow spoiler at the top of the tailgate reinforcing the aerodynamics. The bumper’s twin air scoops help keep the battery temperature down by drawing out the hot air, whilst the lower section is embellished with a touch of white emphasising the car’s dynamic character.

PEUGEOT ‘i-Cockpit’ instrumentation means the interior is familiar, but that’s where similarities to the standard 308 end. Four individual sports seats, upholstered in fawn-coloured patinated leather, create a dramatic interior which point to the sole aim of PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid – world-class performance. The upper fittings and roof lining are slate grey and in true sporting tradition, the cabin is finished with touches of red, with particular attention paid around the dials, steering wheel centre marker and central console.

In a unique twist, the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid uses materials taken from the range, which the brand usually reserves for concept cars. Hence, the dashboard is covered in a fabric produced using a digital weaving technique. This innovative material can be used to produce large and complex parts that are soft to the touch with no need for foam, making for a lighter vehicle.

The compact steering wheel, upholstered in perforated leather and bearing the ‘308 R HYbrid’ logo, allows for precise positioning during cornering. The steering wheel paddles fall immediately to hand, giving the driver finger-tip control over the six-speed gearbox. A head-up display provides all relevant driving information without the need to take your eyes off the road. Finally, the two buttons on the central console allow the driver to keep a check on the mechanics; the first activates the powerful powertrain, whilst the second gives access to four driving modes.

At the heart of the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is an astounding technical innovation – a plug-in powertrain with four-wheel drive that develops 500hp. The unit combines three sources of power, each capable of moving the vehicle independently of the others. They are a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 270 S&S petrol engine, plus two electric motors – each with power of 85kW/115hp – mounted one on each axle. The front one is linked to the six-speed gearbox.

The result is a family hatchback which is capable of supercar performance. The PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid can hit 62mph (100km/h) from a standing start in only 4.0 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph. In spite of such astonishing performance, CO₂ emissions are just 70g/km.

“If we were able to reach this kind of performance on a C-segment, it is all down to our passion for a challenge and our desire for excellence. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is part of a very select club of cars reaching 0-62mph in four seconds” says Jean-Philippe Delaire, PEUGEOT Sport Head of Development, 308 R HYbrid powertrain.

PEUGEOT Sport has been involved in every stage of development of the 308 R HYbrid, using its technical expertise and successful racing record to define the specifications of each component. For impeccable dynamic handling, the car’s weight has been optimised and placed as low as possible. The lithium-ion 3kWh battery has an excellent ratio between power and size, and is housed under the rear seats in place of the fuel tank. In turn, the 50-litre tank has been placed in the boot above the rear electric motor and two transformers.

The PEUGEOT Sport engineers have equipped the car with four driving modes:

• Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 500hp and maximum torque of 730Nm.
• Track mode delivers 400hp and 530Nm, mainly from the petrol engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating.
• Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 300hp and torque of 400Nm. The petrol engine delivers its full potential, while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode.
• ZEV makes priority use of the rear electric motor. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied on the accelerator pedal.

The all-wheel drive system of the 308 R HYbrid makes for formidable handling, especially when coming out of the corners. The braking system is on a par with the car's performance, with 380mm ventilated discs at the front, gripped by four pistons, and 290mm discs to the rear. However, they are not used every time the brakes are applied, because PEUGEOT Sport has designed the powertrain to decelerate using the electric motors throughout the full speed range, starting at 155mph. Not only does this preserve the discs and pads, but uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

It is one of three recharging strategies. The second uses the front electric motor as a generator, driven by the petrol engine, while the third solution is a rapid recharging terminal restoring the battery to its maximum power in just 45 minutes.

Keep up with the very latest news with #PEUGEOT308RHYbrid