The Subaru BRZ is the sports car that Subaru developed in conjunction with Toyota, who in turn, of course, produce the GR86. Both cars are incredibly popular, and also very good cars as a whole. To take the Subaru to the next level, Subaru Japan have announced the new BRZ Cup Car Basic. This is a racing version of the BRZ that will be in a one-make racing series, called the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86/BRZ cup, with a GR86 Cup Car Basic also coming to follow the Subaru.

What Sets The BRZ Cup Car Basic Apart

Subaru BRZ Cup Car Basic Front Quarter View
via Subaru Japan

The new BRZ version is pretty close to the road-going version, with a few differences. Firstly, the most noticeable difference on the interior is the roll cage. A roll cage is of course a requirement to go racing, and there are six-point seatbelt eyebolts too, so a racing harness can get affixed to the seats of the car. The roll cage also has a floor mat, although that is not likely to be the most exciting feature of the racing BRZ. The changes do not stop on the inside of the car, however.

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Engine Cooler For Racing Action

Subaru BRZ Cup Car Basic Interior
via Subaru Japan

Subaru have worked to improve the dependability of the BRZ, so it can withstand punishment on the racetrack. The BRZ’s 2.4-liter flat-four engine now has an air-cooled engine oil cooler, to keep things running as they should be. On the rear differential, Subaru have also added cooling fins, while both the GR86 and BRZ Cup Cars have steel wheels and use a six-speed manual transmission. Subaru is hoping to be able to sell 30 examples of the BRZ Cup Car Basic each year.

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The Toyota Cup Car Basic

Toyota GR86 Cup Car Basic Front Quarter View
via Toyota Gazoo Racing

Toyota have also got their GR86 Cup Car Basic and Toyota Gazoo Racing Japan has some information on the new car. Broadly speaking, it's very much the same as the BRZ, with the same engine, new roll cage, engine oil cooler and dedicated floor mat for the interior. Toyota have not stated how many of these cars they hope to sell each year. The racing series though should start at some point in 2022, although neither manufacturer is at present able to provide a concrete date as to when the racing action will start.

Sources: Subaru Japan, Toyota Gazoo Racing