2015 Subaru BRZ Engine Specs: What You Need To Know

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What Engine is in a 2015 Subaru BRZ?

The 2015 Subaru BRZ is a popular sports car known for its agile handling, lightweight design, and engaging driving experience. A critical component that contributes to these characteristics is, of course, its engine. For those wondering what engine powers the 2015 Subaru BRZ, the answer is the FA20 engine, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine. This engine is jointly developed by Subaru and Toyota, and it is also found in the Toyota 86 (formerly Scion FR-S). Let's dive deeper into the specifications, performance, and unique attributes of this engine that makes the 2015 BRZ such a fun car to drive.

FA20 Engine: Overview and Specifications

The FA20 engine in the 2015 Subaru BRZ is a 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. The boxer configuration is one of its defining features, offering several advantages. In a boxer engine, the cylinders lie flat, opposing each other. This design results in a lower center of gravity for the car, which enhances stability and handling. The engine's lower center of gravity contributes to reduced body roll during cornering, providing a more planted and confident feel for the driver.

Key Specifications of the FA20 Engine:

  • Displacement: 2.0 liters (1,998 cc)
  • Configuration: Horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
  • Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder
  • Fuel Delivery: Direct injection and port injection (Toyota's D-4S system)
  • Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
  • Horsepower: 200 hp at 7,000 rpm
  • Torque: 151 lb-ft at 6,400 rpm

Technical Highlights

The FA20 engine incorporates several advanced technologies to optimize performance and efficiency. One notable feature is the Toyota's D-4S direct and port injection system. This system uses both direct injection into the cylinders and port injection into the intake ports. Direct injection helps to cool the cylinders, allowing for a higher compression ratio (12.5:1), which increases power and efficiency. Port injection helps to keep the intake valves clean and reduces carbon buildup, ensuring long-term reliability. The dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration and four valves per cylinder also contribute to improved airflow and combustion efficiency, maximizing power output across the rev range. Furthermore, the engine uses a square bore and stroke dimension of 86 mm x 86 mm, which allows for a good balance of low-end torque and high-rpm power.

Performance and Driving Experience

The FA20 engine delivers 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque in the 2015 Subaru BRZ. While these figures might not seem exceptionally high compared to some modern sports cars, it's essential to consider the BRZ's overall design philosophy. The BRZ prioritizes balance, agility, and driver engagement over outright power. The engine's high-revving nature encourages drivers to explore the upper reaches of the tachometer, where it delivers its peak power. The availability of both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission allows drivers to choose their preferred level of engagement.

Driving Dynamics

The combination of the FA20 engine, the BRZ's lightweight chassis, and its rear-wheel-drive configuration results in a remarkably enjoyable driving experience. The car feels nimble and responsive, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads. The precise steering and well-tuned suspension provide excellent feedback, allowing drivers to confidently explore the car's limits. The limited-slip differential helps to put the power down effectively, enhancing traction and cornering ability. Although the engine's torque output is modest, the BRZ's low weight means that it never feels underpowered, especially when driven in its sweet spot between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm. The 2015 Subaru BRZ strikes an excellent balance between performance and driver involvement, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts.

Real-World Performance

In real-world driving, the 2015 Subaru BRZ offers a blend of performance and efficiency. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds with the manual transmission, providing adequate acceleration for most driving situations. The engine's fuel economy is also respectable, with EPA ratings of around 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures make the BRZ a practical choice for daily driving, as well as weekend fun. The engine's responsiveness and linear power delivery contribute to a smooth and predictable driving experience, making it easy to modulate the throttle and maintain control. Whether commuting to work or carving up a canyon road, the 2015 Subaru BRZ delivers a satisfying and engaging driving experience.

Unique Attributes of the FA20 in the BRZ

Several unique attributes of the FA20 engine in the 2015 Subaru BRZ contribute to the car's distinctive character. The boxer engine configuration, as mentioned earlier, plays a crucial role in lowering the car's center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability. The engine's high compression ratio and dual fuel injection system also contribute to its performance and efficiency. Additionally, the engine's sound is unique, with a distinctive growl that adds to the driving experience. The intake and exhaust systems are tuned to amplify the engine's sound, creating a visceral and engaging auditory experience.

Boxer Engine Advantages

The boxer engine design offers several advantages over traditional inline or V-shaped engines. In addition to its lower center of gravity, the boxer engine is also naturally balanced, which reduces vibrations and contributes to a smoother running engine. The horizontally opposed cylinders cancel out each other's vibrations, resulting in a more refined and comfortable driving experience. The boxer engine is also more compact than other engine configurations, allowing for better packaging within the engine bay. This compact design contributes to the BRZ's overall low weight and helps to improve its weight distribution. The combination of these factors makes the boxer engine an ideal choice for a sports car like the Subaru BRZ.

D-4S Fuel Injection System

The D-4S fuel injection system, developed by Toyota, is another unique attribute of the FA20 engine. This system combines direct injection and port injection to optimize fuel delivery and combustion. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into the cylinders, which helps to cool the cylinders and allows for a higher compression ratio. This, in turn, increases power and efficiency. Port injection sprays fuel into the intake ports, which helps to keep the intake valves clean and reduces carbon buildup. The combination of these two injection methods results in a more efficient and reliable engine. The D-4S system also helps to reduce emissions, making the FA20 engine more environmentally friendly. This advanced fuel injection system is a key factor in the engine's overall performance and efficiency.

Reliability and Maintenance

When considering the 2015 Subaru BRZ, reliability and maintenance are important factors. The FA20 engine is generally considered to be reliable, but like any engine, it requires proper maintenance to ensure long-term durability. Regular oil changes are essential to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent premature wear. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for other services, such as spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, and coolant flushes. Addressing any issues promptly can help to prevent more significant problems down the road.

Common Issues

Some common issues that have been reported with the FA20 engine include carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can lead to reduced performance and fuel economy. This is a common issue with direct injection engines and can be mitigated by using high-quality fuel and performing regular intake valve cleaning. Another potential issue is oil consumption, which can occur in some engines as they age. Monitoring the oil level regularly and addressing any leaks promptly can help to prevent engine damage. Overall, the FA20 engine is a robust and reliable engine, but proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your 2015 Subaru BRZ running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Change the oil regularly, using the recommended oil type and filter.
  • Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
  • Use high-quality fuel to prevent carbon buildup.
  • Check the oil level regularly and address any leaks promptly.
  • Consider performing regular intake valve cleaning to remove carbon buildup.
  • Keep the cooling system properly maintained to prevent overheating.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help to ensure that your 2015 Subaru BRZ remains a reliable and enjoyable car to drive for many years to come. Taking good care of the FA20 engine will pay off in the long run, providing you with a trouble-free and engaging driving experience.

In conclusion, the 2015 Subaru BRZ is equipped with the FA20 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. This engine provides a balance of performance, efficiency, and driver engagement, making the BRZ a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts. Its unique attributes, such as the boxer configuration and D-4S fuel injection system, contribute to the car's distinctive character and enjoyable driving experience. With proper maintenance, the FA20 engine can provide years of reliable service, ensuring that the 2015 Subaru BRZ remains a fun and rewarding car to own.