Subaru Reveals Revamped BRZ for GT300 Effort

Subaru has taken the covers off a heavily revised version of its BRZ GT300 challenger with which it hopes to regain the title in SUPER GT’s lower division this year.

The Japanese manufacturer showed off the machine, featuring new aerodynamics and a striking new two-tone color scheme, on Friday at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Takuto Iguchi and Hideki Yamauchi will form an unchanged driver lineup in the Dunlop-shod No. 61 car, with Masahiro Ozawa continuing in his role as general manager.

Subaru suffered one of its toughest seasons in recent memory last year as Iguchi and Yamauchi ended up 16th in the GT300 standings with a best finish of fifth in a campaign plagued by incidents and mechanical unreliability.

STI President Hiromi Tamo said: “We’re very sorry to all those who supported us last year that we couldn’t score a win, and that there were a lot of errors. I believe this came as the result of the team making adjustments until the very last moment.

“However, we are thoroughly troubleshooting this year’s car and introducing things to introduce the car’s predictability, so I am sure we can reclaim the title.”

Lai highlighted three areas where the new BRZ has changed in relation to its predecessor: increased rigidity, including a new rollcage made to FIA international standards; a new aero concept aimed at increasing downforce and reducing air resistance; and an improved set-up aimed at increased tire performance.

Subaru will also continue to participate in the Nürburgring 24 with its WRX NBR Challenge car in the SP4T class, in which it claimed victory in last year’s race.

The car will be driven by an unchanged lineup comprising Carlo van Dam, Tim Schrick, Kota Sasaki and Rintaro Kubo.

Additionally, Iguchi and Yamauchi will be part of Subaru’s ST-Q class Super Taikyu effort with the High Performance X Future Concept, based on the WRX S4, that made its debut in the middle of last season and runs on carbon-neutral fuel.