Subaru has just ended internet speculation about the much hyped Subaru BRZ convertible, confirming that Subaru will be building a convertible version of the popular two-seater Surbaru BRZ sports coupe for the 2015 model year. This means gearheads and sports cars enthusiasts will finally be able to enjoy the Subaru BRZ topless, which I am sure a lot of CarNewsCafe readers won’t mind.
While it is not surprising that Subaru has confirmed a Subaru BRZ convertible the kicker is that the BRZ convertible will not just have All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), when compared to the current Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Subaru BRZ, but it will be outfitted with a Diesel Hybrid engine.
Subaru clearly is trying to jump ahead of other automakers engine technologies in the sports car and convertible segment. Subaru recently announced it will be releasing it’s first hybrid vehicle, the 2014 Subaru XV CrossTrek during the New York Auto Show. The Subaru BRZ convertible engine will also be a Twin-Turbo which means it should have plenty of horsepower for twisty roads with no traffic. (At least there better not be traffic when I am driving the Subaru BRZ convertible.)
“Having just launched the current model to widespread critical acclaim, we are tired of fighting off the constant speculation about what’s ‘next’ and so we are just giving in and delivering all the speculation in one vehicle.” commented a Subaru spokesperson who wished to not have their name published.
There has been no comments from Toyota about whether the Subaru BRZ’s twin sister, the Scion FR-S, will also have a convertible version. We expect that if Subaru plans to build a Subaru BRZ convertible diesel hybrid then most likley Toyota will also offer a Scion FR-S convertible diesel hybrid as well. Toyota did show a concept convertible version of the Scion FR-S at the Geneva Motor Show and speculation is that it will go into production. Will the engine be a diesel hybrid though?
The Subaru BRZ convertible starting price and other details have not been released yet. Subaru did state the convertible will most likely not come equipped with a rear back-up camera, which is probably not something too many buyers will care about. The AWD Subaru BRZ convertible will come in just 1 color though, which will be black. The Subaru BRZ convertible will be an extremely limited run and be hand built at Subaru’s new Brigadoon automotive factory.
Happy April 1st everyone! 🙂
