There are many things you need to survive in this world. Oxygen, for one. Another is nourishment. But there is one other thing you may not think you need and that is the all new 2013 Subaru BRZ. Now, I know what you are thinking: "Yeah right. I don't need a rear wheel drive Subaru for anything," or "It's not practical," but I am telling you firsthand after driving one on a no-holds-barred race track that you do indeed NEED a BRZ. And here are just some of the reasons why:
Scott, a professional race car driver from the UK, helps me into the car. "Your chariot, madame." He says with a wink. I am a giggly schoolgirl again. "Open up that throttle girl and see what she can do," he says. Blushing, I give it some gas. "More throttle, you can drive it harder than that!! More throttle!! Forget about that brake pedal, its useless to you..." after driving a few times around the 1.9 mile high-speed course at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, I pull into pit row and he winks again, and says "Madame, you are a virgin no more." With fire in my cheeks and a pounding heartbeat, I know why race car drivers enjoy driving. Almost like being let in on a big secret, I feel like I know something that no one else knows....driving a BRZ is really really fun. Did I say really? Now if only I had the British accent almost required to do a voice over...
You slip into a BRZ like a comfy pair of jeans. Fits just right, comfortable like you've known it forever--familiar as an old friend. Seated in almost the center of the vehicle, you can see the world through the endless windshield. Available as a 6-speed manual or 6 speed automatic with paddleshifters, Subaru makes it easy for anyone to drive. I'm usually a conservative driver, never even tried a sports car before. After a few turns with the BRZ, I have to say it is just as good as TOP GEAR said it would be: "The first few hairpins verify that pivoting into a corner is the most natural feeling in the world. The front wheels are always happy to carve the exact track you request. Then you can poke the back end out and feel like a hero. And unlike some rear-drivers, the BRZ's magical balance and progression means it's a cinch to gather up again. The low roll makes it marvelously slick through S turns."
The interior or my chariot.
The BRZ is a low-built, short-overhang, long-wheelbase rear-drive coupe. But the center of gravity is even lower than everyone else's cars of that type, because it has a flat-four Subaru BOXER engine. And actually the flat-four is even lower and far further back than with other Subarus (a full 9 inches further back than the 2012 Impreza), because (since it's RWD-only) there are no front driveshafts or differential in the way. There's a limited-slip differential. It uses comparatively narrow tires, so its 200bhp is enough--and after taking a sharp corner at 100mph, it is definitely enough. It is actually hard to over-steer this car.
The BRZ winks at me almost as much as Scott did. Sorry to say I didn't get a picture of him.
NOLA Motorsports Park just outside New Orleans, Louisiana. This brand new facility opened its doors this week just for Subaru to be the first to use the raceway and autocross tracks.
Take it from this backwoods girl from Maine where all wheel drive reigns supreme, this rear-wheel drive BRZ is worth the hype, and at the affordable price tag, worth the price. It is capable of 34 mpg, traction control, and a navigation system that comes standard, this vehicle is great for commuting to work or for pure driving pleasure. A performance car with real-world practicality...and now I need one. And so do you. :-)
Thank you for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more information on the 2013 Subaru BRZ and more fun stories from our experiences at NOLA Motorsports Park!
Sources: Photos of NOLA Motorsports Park and BRZ are courtesy of the author. Photo of BRZ interior is from Top Gear's review of BRZ.
