Subaru BRZ Engine: What Powers This Sports Car?

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What Engine is in the Subaru BRZ?

The Subaru BRZ, a beloved sports car known for its agility and fun driving experience, packs a punch under the hood. So, what exactly is the engine that powers this rear-wheel-drive machine? Let's dive into the heart of the BRZ and explore its engine!

The FA24: A Deep Dive into the BRZ's Engine

The Subaru BRZ is equipped with the FA24 engine, a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. This engine is part of Subaru's FA engine family and is specifically designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience in a lightweight sports car like the BRZ. The FA24 engine represents a significant upgrade over the previous generation BRZ's FA20 engine, offering increased displacement and improved performance characteristics. One of the key features of the FA24 engine is its horizontally opposed design, also known as a boxer engine. In this configuration, the cylinders are arranged horizontally on either side of the crankshaft, resulting in a lower center of gravity for the vehicle. This lower center of gravity contributes to the BRZ's exceptional handling and stability, allowing it to corner with precision and confidence. The FA24 engine also incorporates direct fuel injection, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This technology allows for more precise control over the combustion process, resulting in optimized performance and responsiveness. In terms of power output, the FA24 engine in the Subaru BRZ produces around 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This represents a significant increase over the previous generation BRZ, providing drivers with a noticeable boost in acceleration and overall performance. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, both of which are engineered to deliver smooth and precise gear changes. The manual transmission offers enthusiasts a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic transmission provides added convenience for everyday driving. Overall, the FA24 engine is a well-engineered and capable powerplant that perfectly complements the Subaru BRZ's sporty character. Its combination of increased displacement, direct fuel injection, and horizontally opposed design makes it a standout engine in the sports car segment.

FA24 Engine: Key Features

When we talk about the engine inside the Subaru BRZ, we're talking about the FA24, a 2.4-liter powerhouse. But what makes this engine so special? Let's break down its key features:

  • Displacement: The FA24 engine boasts a displacement of 2.4 liters, which means it has a larger cylinder volume compared to its predecessor. This translates to more power and torque, giving the BRZ improved acceleration and overall performance.
  • Naturally Aspirated: Unlike some modern engines that use turbochargers or superchargers to force air into the cylinders, the FA24 engine is naturally aspirated. This means it relies solely on atmospheric pressure to fill the cylinders with air, resulting in a linear and predictable power delivery.
  • Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Configuration: One of the most distinctive features of the FA24 engine is its horizontally opposed, or boxer, configuration. In this design, the cylinders are arranged horizontally on either side of the crankshaft, creating a lower center of gravity for the vehicle. This lower center of gravity enhances the BRZ's handling and stability, making it more agile and responsive on the road.
  • Direct Fuel Injection: The FA24 engine utilizes direct fuel injection technology, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber rather than into the intake manifold. This allows for more precise control over the fuel-air mixture, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced performance.
  • Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC): The FA24 engine features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) for each cylinder bank. This means that each cylinder has two camshafts, one for intake valves and one for exhaust valves. DOHC configurations allow for more precise valve timing and control, resulting in improved engine performance and efficiency.
  • High Compression Ratio: The FA24 engine has a high compression ratio, which means that the air-fuel mixture is compressed to a greater extent before ignition. This higher compression ratio results in increased thermal efficiency, allowing the engine to extract more power from each combustion cycle.

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what really matters: how the FA24 engine impacts the BRZ's performance and driving experience. The FA24 engine delivers a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, offering improved acceleration, responsiveness, and overall driving enjoyment. Thanks to its increased displacement and optimized design, the FA24 engine provides ample torque across a wide RPM range, making the BRZ feel lively and engaging in various driving situations. Whether you're cruising around town or tackling winding mountain roads, the FA24 engine delivers smooth and predictable power delivery, allowing you to confidently navigate any driving scenario. In terms of acceleration, the FA24 engine propels the BRZ from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, depending on the transmission and driving conditions. This represents a noticeable improvement over the previous generation BRZ, making the new model feel noticeably quicker and more responsive. The engine's eagerness to rev and its punchy mid-range torque contribute to an exhilarating driving experience, encouraging drivers to push the BRZ to its limits. Beyond its raw performance figures, the FA24 engine also enhances the BRZ's overall driving experience through its refined and responsive character. The engine's smooth power delivery and precise throttle response make it easy to modulate power and maintain control, whether you're drifting around corners or executing precise maneuvers on the track. The FA24 engine also contributes to the BRZ's distinctive exhaust note, which is characterized by a sporty growl that adds to the overall excitement of driving the car. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a casual driver, the FA24 engine is sure to impress with its performance, responsiveness, and overall driving character. Its combination of raw power, refined dynamics, and distinctive sound make it a standout engine in the sports car segment.

BRZ Generations and Engine Evolution

It's worth noting how the engine in the Subaru BRZ has evolved over the years. The first generation BRZ (2012-2020) was equipped with the FA20 engine, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. While the FA20 was a capable engine, it was often criticized for its lack of torque, especially at lower RPMs. This led to calls for a more powerful engine to better match the BRZ's sporty handling characteristics. With the introduction of the second-generation BRZ in 2021, Subaru answered these calls by equipping the car with the FA24 engine, a larger 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. The FA24 engine represents a significant upgrade over the FA20, offering increased displacement, improved torque, and enhanced overall performance. The FA24 engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration and responsiveness, making the BRZ feel more lively and engaging to drive. The larger displacement and optimized design of the FA24 engine also contribute to a broader torque curve, providing ample power across a wider RPM range. This translates to improved drivability and reduced the need to constantly downshift to access power. In addition to its increased power and torque, the FA24 engine also benefits from advancements in engine technology, such as direct fuel injection and optimized valve timing. These technologies help to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance overall engine performance. The FA24 engine has been widely praised by automotive enthusiasts and critics alike, who appreciate its improved performance and enhanced driving experience. The engine's combination of raw power, refined dynamics, and distinctive sound make it a standout powerplant in the sports car segment.

First Generation: FA20 Engine

Let's rewind a bit. The original BRZ (2012-2020) came with the FA20 engine. This was a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. While it was a decent engine, many drivers felt it lacked a bit of punch, especially in the low-end torque department.

Second Generation: FA24 Engine

Fast forward to the second-generation BRZ (2021-present), and we see a significant upgrade! Subaru listened to the feedback and blessed the BRZ with the FA24 engine. This is a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, and the difference is noticeable. You get more power and, crucially, more torque throughout the rev range. This makes the BRZ feel much more responsive and fun to drive in everyday situations.

Why a Boxer Engine?

You might be wondering, why did Subaru choose a boxer engine for the BRZ? There are several advantages to this design:

  • Low Center of Gravity: As mentioned earlier, the boxer engine's horizontal layout results in a lower center of gravity. This is a huge benefit for handling, making the BRZ feel more planted and stable in corners.
  • Smoothness: Boxer engines are known for their smooth operation. The opposing pistons cancel out each other's vibrations, resulting in a more refined driving experience.
  • Unique Sound: Boxer engines have a distinctive exhaust note that is different from inline or V-shaped engines. It's a sound that many enthusiasts appreciate.

Manual vs. Automatic: Does the Engine Change?

Whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission, the engine itself – the FA24 – remains the same. However, the driving experience will certainly differ. The manual transmission gives you more control and engagement, while the automatic offers more convenience.

In Conclusion

The Subaru BRZ is powered by the FA24 engine, a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. This engine provides a significant upgrade over the previous generation's FA20 engine, offering increased power, torque, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a casual driver, the FA24 engine is sure to impress with its responsiveness, smooth power delivery, and distinctive sound. So, the next time you see a BRZ, you'll know exactly what's lurking under the hood!