Subaru has taken the 2018 Chicago Auto Show by storm with no fewer than eight limited-edition models, all built to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary on the U.S. market. All but the new Ascent crossover gained this special package, but the upgrades are far from spectacular. With just a few extra features, an exclusive paint, and new wheels, the 50th Anniversary models are just as common as any other limited-edition vehicles we’ve seen from Subaru at other small auto shows around the world. And the fact that the BRZ was included in this run makes things even more disappointing.
“Around for six years now, the Subaru BRZ — along its Toyota-badged 86 sibling — has received very few updates up until now”
Around for six years now, the Subaru BRZ — along its Toyota-badged 86 sibling — has received very few updates up until now. But while the lack of design upgrades is somewhat understandable until the next-generation model arrives, it’s very frustrating that Subaru chose to keep the engine unchanged for six full years. Sure, the 2016 “facelift” added five horsepower and five pound-feet of torque, but those figures are laughable and do nothing to improve performance. In 2017, Subaru launched the cool BRZ tS and BRZ STI Sport Edition, but the engine compartment was ignore once again.
The 50th Anniversary model is no different, although such an important event would have been perfect for the launch of the highly-anticipated turbo upgrade. As it turns out, Subaru doesn’t have such plans…
“The fact that production is limited to only 250 units makes it somewhat appealing, but it’s still a mundane BRZ with extra trim”
Granted, this new limited-edition model comes with a few interesting features, such as the exclusive Heritage Blue Paint, the silver accents inside the cabin, and the extra equipment of the Limited trim, but it’s nowhere near as special as it should be. The fact that production is limited to only 250 units makes it somewhat appealing, but it’s still a mundane BRZ with extra trim.
Oh well, maybe next time…