SUBARU BRZ COUPE COULD RETURN TO EUROPE AS ELECTRIFIED MODEL
A brand-new version of one of Subaru’s most exhilarating models – the BRZ – could make a return to the European market with an electrified powertrain. If greenlit, this would mark the first time the BRZ has been sold anywhere other than North America and Japan since production of the first generation ended in July 2020.
Though a second-generation of both the BRZ and its sister GR86 were introduced for 2012 (both models were developed together as part of a collaborative process between Subaru and Toyota), stricter emissions regulations in Europe meant no BRZs and only limited numbers of the GR86 were imported. According to a recent Autocar report, an electrified third-generation coupe is under consideration as Subaru looks to expand its electric lineup in Europe.
How The Decision Will Be Made
A new electrified BRZ would join Subaru’s recently-launched Uncharted, the updated Solterra, and the newly-renamed E-Outback as part of the Japanese marque’s efforts to circumvent Euro 7 emissions regulations. Confirmation of a new model could still be some ways away though, as the decision is very dependent on sales of the brand-new, clean sheet Uncharted in particular.
Speaking with Autocar, Subaru’s EV product boss Inoue Masahiko stated that the timing of such a move would need to be carefully considered. Indeed, though sales of the GR86/BRZ were initially higher than expected when they first launched, interest tapered away quickly afterward.
“We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides.”
- Inoue Masahiko, Subaru EV product manager speaking with Autocar
Promoting a limited-edition run for the second-gen BRZ in Europe to gauge customer interest was also shot down, as this is not seen as a viable short-term investment. Indeed, it seems fate does not want Subaru's supremely entertaining sports car slicing up European roads.
Would A New BRZ Be Hybrid Or All-Electric?
Were an electrified BRZ greenlit, limited packaging options mean the 2.4-liter Toyota four-cylinder will likely be jettisoned in favor of a fully electric powertrain. Such a move could be worrying for potential owners, as the lightweight and chuckable nature of the original rear-wheel-drive BRZ/GR86 made for strong selling points compared with the rival likes of Nissan’s now discontinued 370Z, and even the Mazda Miata MX-5.
Tellingly though, and despite strong suggestions otherwise from Toyota's chairman, the next-generation GR Supra is expected to be offered as a hybrid, such is the confidence Toyota has in its emissions-friendly propulsion system. And that includes liquid hydrogen.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Subaru has hinted towards an unlikely return to an automotive segment. Last week,Masahiko suggested the Japanese marque could make an unexpected return to the subcompact market – also with an EV – as a counterpoint to the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2, following the success of the revived Renault 5.
2025-08-01T10:24:44ZSource: Autocar
