Subaru could bring the BRZ coupe back to Europe as an electric car
Subaru is considering selling the BRZ sports coupe on the European market. In the third generation, the model may become fully electric. About it Autocar told the top managers of the Japanese automaker.
Here's What We Know
In the company there is an internal discussion about how to return to the niche of sports cars in Europe. One possible scenario is the launch of the electric BRZ. Subaru hasn't offered a single sports-inspired model on the continent since 2020. The second-generation BRZ, due in 2024, is officially sold only in the US and Japan. Its counterpart, the Toyota GR86, has gone into limited production in Europe because it doesn't fit into local emissions and safety regulations.
The head of Subaru's European division, David Dello Stritto, confirmed that the BRZ could return, but as an electric car: "We have all options open," he told Autocar.
His words were echoed by Subaru's global head of electric vehicles, Masahiko Inoue (Inoue Masahiko), who said that an electric BRZ is indeed "under consideration". Moreover, such a project was previously discussed with Toyota, Subaru's long-time technology partner.
Indirect confirmation of intentions can be seen in the Subaru Sport Mobility concept (pictured below), unveiled in 2023. It's an elevated coupe with an aggressive design that gave a glimpse into the future of the brand's electric sports cars.
Right now, Subaru's focus is on family models: the Crosstrek, Outback and Forester crossovers, as well as the new Uncharted, E-Outback and updated Solterra electric crossover. According to Streeto, the brand needs to establish itself in the mass segment before sporty models return to Europe - in particular, it's important how the new Uncharted electric car performs.
Asked whether the current BRZ could be released in Europe with a hybrid or electric powertrain, Masahiko said it would be technically difficult, and it would be easier to create a separate electric BRZ from scratch.
Source: Autocar