Subaru BRZ gets turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive with ‘Spec.Z’
This new Subaru BRZ is a turbocharged, all-wheel drive coupe in the spirit of the Impreza 22B STI, but it’s only for rally stages.
Subaru has done what it does best by releasing the car everyone wants, but no one can buy.
Officially called the Boxer Rally Spec.Z, this high-performance version of the BRZ sports coupe is designed to race in the 2026 All Japan Rally Championship, where it’ll be campaigned by two-time PWRC title winner, Toshihiro Arai.
While the standard BRZ produces 174kW and 250Nm from its naturally aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder boxer engine, the addition of a turbocharger has resulted in the Spec.Z developing 206kW and 500Nm.
To help put the power to the road, the standard rear-drive layout has been replaced by an all-wheel drive setup, linked to a six-speed SADEV sequential transmission, similar to the gearboxes already used in Subaru’s rally cars.
The BRZ’s double-wishbone rear suspension has been replaced with a MacPherson strut layout, similar to what’s found at the front. Behind the 18-inch wheels sit four-piston brake calipers at the front and rear.
Tipping the scales at the minimum 1300kg specified by the class it competes in, the Spec.Z also features a wider body to improve its aerodynamics, while its rear spoiler is identical to what buyers can currently option.
Sadly, like Subaru’s High Performance X Version II racer - based on the Impreza hatch but with WRX running gear - we’re yet to hear if the Boxer Rally Spec.Z will reach production.
