Subaru BRZ (2011): finally, the first official pictures

Subaru has finally unveiled the BRZ coupe, the sister sports car to Toyota’s GT 86. Both were shown at the 2011 Tokyo auto show. These first official photographs depict mildly different characters, but the same low-slung stance.

Everything about the BRZ is low – its 2.0-litre flat four contributes to a centre of gravity nearer the road than the roof, its bonnet is made from aluminium and its 197bhp and 151lb ft of torque should make this 1220kg two-seater fly.

It’s 4240mm long, 1300mm tall and 1775mm wide - making it a tad longer, lower and narrower than an Audi TT. Subaru calls it a 2+2, but those rear seats will almost qualify for a -2 tag. The 17in wheels are suspended by front struts and rear double wishbones.

The 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is Subaru's, but Toyota's direct injection provides the fuel, boosting power and efficiency. The transmission is claimed to be a short-shift six-speed manual 'box and - unusually for a Subaru - only the rear axle is driven.

Buyers in Japan and selected markets will be able to order a six-speed auto transmission too. It has a Sport mode for faster gearchanges, a throttle blip function likes Nissan's 370Z and paddles for finger-nudging shifts.

The rev counter takes pride of place in the instrument pack, while the speedo is digitised. We've seen the car in Tokyo and the cabin offers a focused, sporting milieu.

UK sales begin in July 2012. Subaru's UK importer expects to sell around 500 BRZs a year, but that will hinge on the yen exchange rate which is currently making Japanese exports unreasonably expensive.

By Tim Pollard