OFFICIAL: This is the 2022 Subaru BRZ! More grunt - but no turbo - for new Toyota 86 twin

The 2021 Subaru BRZ has at last broken cover, with the Toyota 86 twin officially revealed in the USA ahead of its launch in Australia, which is expected around Q3 next year.

Let's get the big news out of the way first - there's more power, but no turbo, despite persistent rumours the new model would make use of turbocharging for the first time.

Instead, the BRZ - and thus the new 86 - makes use of a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder horizontally-opposed "Boxer" petrol that develops 170kW and 249Nm, up from the up to 152kW and 212Nm produced by the outgoing car. The old model delivered a sprint to 100km/h of around 8.2 seconds, which should see this new model drop that figure into at least the seven-second range.

Read More About Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ confirmed for Australia in 2021! The truth about the "America only" performance car revealed

Subaru says the new engine will deliver "a smooth revving feel and sharp throttle response, (and) the engine provides stronger acceleration and a noticeable power increase".

"It’s tremendously exciting to get these first glimpses into second generation BRZ," says Subaru Australia GM Blair Read.

“This car gave the whole sports segment a massive shake when it originally launched in 2012 and based on what we know so far about the second generation, we’ve got very high hopes for its ongoing appeal in Australia.”

Like before, the new BRZ can be had with a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, with the latter also getting a more aggressive "Sport" mode that will pick and stick with a lower gear when cornering.

Handling should be improved, too, with Subaru reporting a 60 per cent increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50 per cent increase in torsional stiffness. The brand says you can expect faster steering response, more agile handling and more grip - also thanks to the 18-inch alloys shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.

Weight has also been a key focus, with the new BRZ equipped with an aluminium roof, bonnet and front guards, with the weight savings said to counteract the increased kilograms brought on by the bigger engine, as well as lowering the centre of gravity.

1 / 9

2 / 9

3 / 9

4 / 9

5 / 9

6 / 9

7 / 9

8 / 9

9 / 9

The BRZ stretches 4265mm in length, 1775mm in width and 1311mm in height, and it rides on a 2576mm wheelbase. Suspension is handled by MacPherson-type struts and double wishbone rear, with stabiliser bars positioned at each axle.

Outside, you'll find a new hexagonal grille designed to make the BRZ look lower and angrier, along with the liberal use of body creases and aero aids, including sill spoilers and air outlets positioned behind the front guards.

Read More About Subaru BRZ

Best sports cars arriving in 2021

Inside, it's more of a tech fest than ever before, with a new 7.0-inch TFT in the driver's binnacle, as well as a 8.0-inch central screen that gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety has been overhauled, too, with automatic models getting Subaru’s EyeSight safety system which will include AEB and adaptive cruise control.

Subaru is yet to confirm local timing or pricing, but has confirmed the new BRZ is a lock for Australia, with the new model expected to arrive around Q3 2021.