Subaru Finally Built the AWD BRZ Everyone Wanted

Subaru is doing something people have been asking for forever. They took the BRZ and turned it into an all-wheel-drive rally car.

It’s called the Subaru Boxer Rally Spec.Z , and it’s built for the Japanese Rally Championship. Proper race car, not a road version with stickers. And yeah, before you get your hopes up, this won’t lead to a street version. The rules don’t push Subaru to make one.

The look gives it away straight away. Big front bumper, wider fenders, vented hood, fixed rear wing. It sits higher, too, ready for rough stages. We’ve got a roof scoop, lightweight windows, tiny mirrors, and a full rally livery. Inside, it’s stripped out with a proper roll cage. No surprises there.

The real story is under the hood. The stock BRZ engine is gone. In comes the turbo 2.4-liter Boxer from the WRX. It now makes over 276 hp and a strong 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s a big jump and way more suited for rally use.

And here’s the key part. It’s not rear-wheel drive anymore. Subaru gave it a full AWD system with a six-speed sequential gearbox. That alone changes everything. More grip, more confidence, way faster on loose surfaces.

It rides on 18-inch wheels with Advan tires, backed by four-piston brakes. The suspension and steering setup are fully reworked, based on what Subaru learned from the WRX S4 rally car. The goal was simple. Make it turn sharply, but still stay stable at speed.

Weight also works in its favor. The minimum allowed is 1,300 kg, and the BRZ platform actually comes in under that. That gives Subaru some freedom to move weight around and get the balance just right. A lower center of gravity helps, too.

It’ll make its debut at the Yuho Rally Asuka in May, run by Subaru Team Arai. Behind the wheel is Toshihiro Arai, who already sounds impressed. He says the car feels more balanced, more responsive, and faster through corners. Still some testing to do, but the base feels strong.

This is the BRZ a lot of people imagined years ago. Light, balanced, but now with AWD and real rally intent. Shame it’s staying on the stages and not heading to the street.