Yesterday in an interview with Motor Trend’s new Editor-in-chief Ed Loh, Subaru confirmed that it will in fact be building a turbocharged version of newly co-developed 2-liter flat 4 boxer engine that powers the new 2013 Subaru BRZ. This comes just 2 days after the Tokyo Motor Show was buzzing about a supercharged version of the motor being placed under the hood of the Toyota GT-86, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S triplets.
2013 Subaru BRZ 2.0-liter flat-4 engine bay. Do you see room for a turbo?
Now before you storm into your Subaru dealership demanding to put a deposit down on a turbocharged WRX BRZ, it is important to highlight that Subaru has only confirmed that the FA20 engine will be receiving a turbo. Subaru has not confirmed that the BRZ will be receiving that turbo motor, they have only said that they will build one. The leap of faith that we are taking is that since the FA20 motor is only found in the BRZ and there is an over whelming out cry for the car to have more power to compete with other segment rivals like the Hyundai Genesis coupe and Nissan 370Z. One can only assume that a turbocharged version will power that particular car, no? Can one then also assume that it will be branded the WRX model like other turbocharged Subaru’s that exist in their line-up?
We were never good a crossword puzzle growing up but we did excel at connect the dots and this puzzle has been the easiest one yet. That is unless Subaru decided that the newly confirmed turbocharged engine will appear in another of their cars, which would make the aftermarket scene very happy as well.
The big question that standouts in our minds is that fact that there are now confirmed rumours out there of the FA20 engine bolting on a supercharger as well as now a turbocharger. Could Toyota and Subaru be heading in different directions for their high performance models? Have the TRD and STI performance divisions’ agreed to disagree on how to soup up the co-developed 197bhp 2-liter flat 4 boxer engine?
We sure hope so as what is life without a little choice? Currently the only real choice between the 3 is based off of brand loyalty, exterior paint colour and price.
To read more about the supercharging rumour click here.
To read more about the WRX and Turbo rumours click here.
2013 Subaru BRZ - Front 3/4
2013 Subaru BRZ - Rear 3/4
