Subaru fixed the 2022 BRZ's torque problem, says math | Revelations with Jason Cammisa | Ep. 02

Months away from production, no journalists have driven the Mk2 BRZ — but we've spent some time with its specs. And a calculator.

The BRZ's torque curve tells an important story: adjusted for weight and gearing, at almost all engine speeds, the 2022 BRZ will pull harder than a 181-hp Mazda MX-5 ND2 Miata — a car that is almost universally agreed does not need a turbo.

The problem with the old, 2.0-liter BRZ wasn't its peak torque — it was the outrageously high engine rpm required to hit that peak; the torque dip in the everyday rpm range; and the uninspiring noise the engine made. The Mk2 BRZ and Toyota GT86 solve that with a new FA24 engine variant — and fake engine sounds coming through the stereo speakers.

Adding a turbocharger at the manufacturer level means a cascading avalanche of cost. Had Subaru put a turbo on the 2022 BRZ, it would likely follow in the footsteps of every other affordable, sporty coupe: it would become so expensive that it would die off.

Toyota already has a $50,000, turbocharged four-cylinder "sports car" — the base Supra. (Which is also not a Toyota.) The BRZ is meant to be inexpensive, and if Subaru reengineered the whole car to cope with the turbo's weight and torque, it would likely cost (and weigh) as much as the Supra. And then, like the F80 BMW M3 and F82 M4, its limit handling would be compromised.

Watch as techy automotive journalist Jason Cammisa uses math to demonstrate that — before anyone's even driven the new BRZ — we know it'll be quicker than a Miata.

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[NCOcham]

"They're all dead because you got greedy." He's right.

[BobbyAngmalaysia]

Jason Cammisa's arrival at Hagerty is the best thing ever.

[JohnDoe-kvef]

thank you for explaining to the power addicts that there's other aspects to a fun car

[RexinOridle]

I daily drive a 1st GEN BRZ and it does not need a turbo. This car is for fun, not for speed in straight line. And it's not slow by any means. Gets good gas milage, easy on the maintenance. This handles great and puts a smile on your face. Don't let the car drive you, learn to drive and drive the car.

[raunaqvbp]

Adding Jason Cammisa to Hagerty is probably the single best business decision they made in 2020

[BrendanEvan]

“Guess what happens, it gets so expensive you can’t afford it.”
-Jason dropping hard truths

[Filipe]

Finally someone with a proper vision about the BRZ, it's not about perfomance figures, it's about the sheer driving experience which this car excells at, keeping it NA is a very smart move from Subaru and Toyota because it makes it a possible sports car to own, unlike the other sport cars which can be twice it's price or even more.

[ShunbunNoHi]

I need a Hagerty shirt that says,

Affordable sports cars...
"Their all died because you got greedy"

[johnwilliammaxwell]

I am far more excited about this car than almost any other modern car. Almost as excited as I am to have more Jason Cammisa content.

[misterfini]

Damn this is a good video. Particularly when he goes off on the death of affordable sports cars. Couldn't agree more

[msmoniz]

I'm with you! At 47 I'm old enough to remember when "affordable" sports or sporty coupes were about handling, tossabilty, and just enough power to have fun wringing it out during your commute, while (mostly) staying within legal speed limits. A 0-60 time anywhere between 7-9 seconds was fine because it was about smiles per mile, while looking cool, not having pin you into your seat acceleration. Like you Jason, I bemoan that these cars virtually no longer exist aside from the BRZ/86 and Miata. Hell as a Honda guy I miss the CR-X!

[StratfordWingRider]

I always liked the BRZ/GT86, but after understanding it more, I appreciate it a whole lot more.

We took those 90s everyday sports cars a bit for granted

[ScoutingForZen]

Excellent affordable sports car rant, Jason

[dawnpoint]

Nailed it. The more people complain about sport cars “not having enough, ” the more crossovers we’ll end up with.

[JonathanHatcher]

This is literally the best youtube video I have ever seen. This guy is passionate, and on point.

[chadlidstone]

Well said. It is shocking how many sports coupes we've lost over the years. The BRZ/GR86 is the replacement we should all be thrilled about.

[krrk]

That torque adjusted graph is the best journalism I've ever seen.

[paulgr]

Finally, a rational discussion about the non-turbo controversy. Brilliantly stated Jason, thanks

[ahmedp]

Finally someone who changed my whole perspective on the Brz/86!

[jrgphoto]

The subtle glow on the “blow me” hoodie was priceless 😂