2017 Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S Facelift Details Leaked

The Subaru BRZ (also the Scion FR-S, a.k.a Toyota GT86, or Toyota 86) has been in production since 2012 as the 2013 model. Now 3 years passed and the BRZ/FR-S is due for a mid-cycle update. However, this will not happen for the 2016 models – our Toyota insider told us today the news that we are going to see the mid-cycle refreshed FR-S/BRZ next year, as a 2017 model instead.

Of course there will be some tweaks to the exterior styling, but the most important and exciting updates is under the engine hood: the 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-4 engine will stay, but the hp output and also the torque will be increased by 5 percent, and fuel efficiency will also be enhanced by 7 percent.

Given the current FR-S/BRZ’s 200hp output, this translates to a 210hp output for the 2017 models. Not a dramatically jump but still a nice enhancement.

According to our Toyota insider, this improvement is realized by a more efficient intake manifold design and also reduced frictions inside the engine moving parts.

Besides the powertrain, The 2017 BRZ/FR-S will also receive a massage on the chassis and suspension. The dampers will be revised, still sourced from Sachs; and the rear sub-frame will be reinforced to increase torsional rigidity of the car body.

So looks like if you are waiting to pull the trigger for the 2016 BRZ/FR-S, you may want to be patient and wait for the 2017 model year.