The most track-focused version of the Subaru BRZ is back on sale in Japan, with extra safety equipment. The BRZ Cup Car Basic was designed for a special dual-make series in Japan (Toyota and Subaru) featuring bare bones appearance and special tuning from the STi division. The Cup Car Basic trim of the BRZ has been around since 2022 but it wasn’t listed on the Subaru website since the 2024 MY updates were introduced in September 2023. This changes today with a mildly upgraded model joining the rest of the pack. The highlight is the addition of the Eyesight ADAS suite which is now standard across the BRZ lineup – including the manual transmission models. Another update is the redesigned roll cage with a slightly different shape and side bars, joined by a 6-point seatbelt for the driver.

The interior is free from luxuries like an infotainment screen, although there are speakers. Subaru says that the fitment of the roll cage makes the sun visors and the side A/C vents unusable, and requires the use of special floor mats. As with the previous model, the side and curtain airbags have been removed for track use. Visually, the BRZ Cup Car Basic looks just like its predecessor, with the signature 16-inch steelies finished in black. The bare-bones sportscar is still available in seven colors – the WR blue pearl, Sapphire blue pearl, Ice silver metallic, Magnetite gray metallic, and Crystal black silica are free of charge, while the Ignition Red and Crystal White Pearl are offered at an extra cost.

 

Under the hood lies the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine producing the same 232 hp and 250 Nm of torque as in all Japanese-specification BRZ models. However, Subaru engineers added an oil cooler and new engine seals, to help with the more demanding conditions of track use. Power is transmitted to the rear axle exclusively via a six-speed manual. Furthermore, the standard limited-slip differential of the Cup Car Basic features extra cooling fins.

The Subaru BRZ Cup Car Basic is already available in Japan starting from ¥ 3,700,400 (US$ 24,367). This makes it the second most expensive BRZ trim after the full-spec STI Sport. It is also significantly pricier compared to the previous Cup Car Basic which started from ¥ 3,338,500 (US$ 21,981) in 2022. The 2024 edition of the GR86/BRZ Cup is expected to begin sometime in the coming months. It is safe to assume that Toyota Gazoo Racing will soon unveil the GR86 Cup Car Basic twin, featuring a similar configuration and upgrades.