Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community - FT86CLUB - View Single Post - Subaru BRZ 1st Drive and First Impression Video

///KM · 12-06-2011, 06:15 PM

To expand upon the translations of the second video:

1) Boxer engine feel - under full acceleration, the engine response is very good. The moment you press on the gas, the vehicle responds in kind by directly moving forward.

2) Engine sound in the cabin - Intake sound is very good in-cabin. Press on the gas, and the engine responds with a great intake noise made possible with a naturally aspirated engine that fills the cabin. However, cruising at 100km/h (62mph) the vehicle remains quiet, and you can carry on a normal conversation with a passenger.

3) High-speed impression at 160km/h (~100mph) - Even at 160km/h, the vehicle remains extremely stable for a 2WD car.

4) Low center of gravity driving position - the driving position is very low, and it feels as if you're sitting on the road. Due to the fact that you're driving so close to the road, it is very easy to drive. I feel that a lower driving position makes a car easier to drive than a higher driving position. Even with a low driving position, visibility is ample. This is probably due to the fact that the hood is so low as a product of the engine being mounted low as well.

5) Transmission feel - the transmission feels very good. Direct yet supple, gears fall into place easily. The vibrations that are transmitted to your hand from the shifter also feel very good.

6) Steering feel - steering feels good: very calm, delicate. It's not too light nor too heavy, and transmits road conditions to the driver. Wiggling the steering wheel left & right at high speeds still feels stable. (Demonstrates a higher speed slalom) I feel some lateral G-forces, but I never get the feeling that the tires are losing contact with the road. It's VERY stable. If I tried this maneuver at this speed on the usual 2WD cars, it would start to feel unstable, but not this car. It's not at all scary.

7) Cornering feel - This car feels glued to the road. This is the first time I've felt this. It's as if the car is telling me, "you can go faster". Maintaining grip on the 4 tires breeds peace of mind, as well as speed. To that point, the BRZ is absolutely glued to the road. Brake, accelerate, brake, accelerate - the car responds to each command meticulously. Turning the steering wheel, the car keeps rotating. This type of setting is very difficult to achieve. I don't think there are many cars in the world that has handling this good.

8) Impressions when getting into the vehicle - I get the impression of "man fitting with machine". The seats, while thin, are firm. The position of the steering wheel, shifter, and various knobs and switches are placed in a manner that are suited to the driver. This type of experience is rare in other cars.

The BRZ is a pure handling machine, a very rare position in among the cars of today.

12-06-2011, 06:15 PM	#26
///KM Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Drives: 05 Honda S2000 Location: United States Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s)	To expand upon the translations of the second video: 1) Boxer engine feel - under full acceleration, the engine response is very good. The moment you press on the gas, the vehicle responds in kind by directly moving forward. 2) Engine sound in the cabin - Intake sound is very good in-cabin. Press on the gas, and the engine responds with a great intake noise made possible with a naturally aspirated engine that fills the cabin. However, cruising at 100km/h (62mph) the vehicle remains quiet, and you can carry on a normal conversation with a passenger. 3) High-speed impression at 160km/h (~100mph) - Even at 160km/h, the vehicle remains extremely stable for a 2WD car. 4) Low center of gravity driving position - the driving position is very low, and it feels as if you're sitting on the road. Due to the fact that you're driving so close to the road, it is very easy to drive. I feel that a lower driving position makes a car easier to drive than a higher driving position. Even with a low driving position, visibility is ample. This is probably due to the fact that the hood is so low as a product of the engine being mounted low as well. 5) Transmission feel - the transmission feels very good. Direct yet supple, gears fall into place easily. The vibrations that are transmitted to your hand from the shifter also feel very good. 6) Steering feel - steering feels good: very calm, delicate. It's not too light nor too heavy, and transmits road conditions to the driver. Wiggling the steering wheel left & right at high speeds still feels stable. (Demonstrates a higher speed slalom) I feel some lateral G-forces, but I never get the feeling that the tires are losing contact with the road. It's VERY stable. If I tried this maneuver at this speed on the usual 2WD cars, it would start to feel unstable, but not this car. It's not at all scary. 7) Cornering feel - This car feels glued to the road. This is the first time I've felt this. It's as if the car is telling me, "you can go faster". Maintaining grip on the 4 tires breeds peace of mind, as well as speed. To that point, the BRZ is absolutely glued to the road. Brake, accelerate, brake, accelerate - the car responds to each command meticulously. Turning the steering wheel, the car keeps rotating. This type of setting is very difficult to achieve. I don't think there are many cars in the world that has handling this good. 8) Impressions when getting into the vehicle - I get the impression of "man fitting with machine". The seats, while thin, are firm. The position of the steering wheel, shifter, and various knobs and switches are placed in a manner that are suited to the driver. This type of experience is rare in other cars. The BRZ is a pure handling machine, a very rare position in among the cars of today.