Subaru has announced pricing and details for its 2016 model year BRZ sports car, which includes new standard features and a small drop in price.
Including destination, the 2016 BRZ will start at $26,190, $300 less than the 205 model year. Under the hood, things are left unchanged, meaning a 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine makes 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque sent to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (for an additional $1,100).
For the 2016 model year, Subaru’s Starlink 6.2-inch multimedia system and a rearview camera come standard for all models. The single-touch gesture display infotainment system includes AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, and audio streaming, iPod control, iTunes Tagging, a USB port, and an auxiliary jack.
The Japanese automaker has also added a “Limited” trim that retails for $28,190 for the six-speed manual BRZ and adds a body-color trunk spoiler, fog lights, Alcantara-trimmed interior and Keyless Access. BRZ’s with the Limited package also get dual-zone automatic climate control and an All-Weather Package with dual-mode heated front seats and heated side mirrors.
The 2016 Subaru BRZ will arrive in dealerships this fall, while new or updated rivals like the 2016 Mazda MX-5 will attempt to lure buyers at even lower price points.
It’s still unclear how long it will take an “STI” BRZ to reach production (and then to make it to U.S. shores), but with sports car competitors like the Fiat 124 Abarth on the horizon, Subaru will need more than 200 hp in a 2,700-lb car to stay relevant in the enthusiast vehicle market.