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Auto Blog
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Test Drove the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS: Here's the Real Verdict
With rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and just enough power to keep things interesting, the BRZ tS delivers an old-school kind of fun. A purist's delight in a crossover world In a car market dominated by bloated crossovers and increasingly complex performance machines, the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS feels like a throwback. It's not fast by today's horsepower standards, it doesn't have torque-vectoring all-wheel drive or a trick hybrid system, and it doesn't even come with adaptive suspension or a head-up display. But after a week of driving this light, low, two-door coupe on back roads, highways, and city streets, one thing is clear: it doesn't need any of that to be a blast. The BRZ tS is all about the joy of driving. It's Subaru's only rear-wheel-drive car, and the only one built specifically with performance in mind. Even with just 228 horsepower, it has the kind of balance and feedback that make you want to drive just for the hell of it — and that's exactly what makes it such a gem. What the tS trim brings to the table The version we tested was the top-of-the-line BRZ tS, which costs $36,465 including destination. While that price might seem steep for a car with modest output, most of what makes this car great is shared with the base model, which starts at just over $32,000. You're paying a premium for a few key enhancements, including bigger Brembo brakes, revised suspension with Hitachi dampers, and stylish 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer There are no changes to the powertrain — it's the same 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Subaru pairs it with either a six-speed manual or automatic, though the manual is undoubtedly the better match. Fuel economy is acceptable for a sports car, with 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Not that fuel economy is much of a consideration with a car like the BRZ. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Looks that don't take themselves too seriously The BRZ's exterior is compact, low-slung, and full of character. It's not trying too hard to be angry or aggressive, and that's part of the charm. Sharp creases, active-looking tail lights, and clean proportions give it a sporty stance without tipping into embarrassingly boy-racer territory. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer It's a refreshing contrast to some of the more overwrought sports cars on the market today. There's an honesty in its design — an acknowledgment that it's here to have fun, not to win a drag race. Inside: quirky, but thoughtfully laid out Slide into the BRZ and you'll find a cabin that's tight but not cramped. The front seats strike a great balance between comfort and support, the pedals and shifter are perfectly placed, and visibility is surprisingly good for such a low car. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer The mix of analog and digital controls is deeply satisfying, and a much-needed relief from the invasion of flat-screen TVs installed in most cars today. That said, the infotainment screen is small and dated-looking. It does the job, though, and at least it comes with physical climate knobs and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Rear seats exist, technically, but they're more useful as extra cargo space than for actual passengers. Still, the trunk pass-through adds some practicality, and the BRZ's small size doesn't come at the cost of front-seat comfort. Even tall drivers should feel at home. Driving it is the whole point What really sets the BRZ apart is how it drives. It's light (just 2,815 pounds), balanced, and endlessly engaging. The manual transmission is easy to learn and rewarding to master. The feedback through the pedals is excellent, and the BRZ encourages you to push it without punishing your mistakes. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer That's what makes it ideal for new drivers learning performance driving, or older enthusiasts who want to feel connected to the road again. Sure, it could use more power. Everyone agrees on that, but part of the fun is how accessible it is. You can rev it out and drive it hard without breaking the law. That's something you just can't do in a 500-horsepower muscle car. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer The only real downside is the steering. While turn-in is sharp and the car rotates beautifully through corners, the steering doesn't offer quite as much feel as the rest of the car. It's good, just not great. For buyers considering the Subaru as a daily driver, it's also worth pointing out that the BRZ rides well at speed. You'll hear more road noise than in a heavier car, but the trade-off is a sense of nimbleness and immediacy that's hard to find elsewhere. A shrinking pool of competitors The BRZ tS's most direct rivals are the Toyota GR86 (its mechanical twin) and the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The GR86 offers nearly identical performance for a bit less money and has the same pros and cons, though styling and small tuning differences might sway buyers one way or the other (it's hard to beat the GR86's ducktail spoiler). Mazda MX-5 — Source: Kyle Edward The MX-5 is lighter and offers a true convertible experience, but it can get more expensive and has even less practicality. You might also consider the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, but it's not available with a manual anymore, and at over 3,500 pounds, it's a very different animal. In this price range, your choices are limited, but all of them are fun, and none blend usability, engagement, and value quite as effectively as the BRZ. Final thoughts The 2025 Subaru BRZ tS isn't trying to be the fastest or flashiest sports car out there. Instead, it focuses on the stuff that really matters to enthusiasts: a great chassis, a fun manual gearbox, and feedback that rewards skill and confidence. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer It's not perfect. It could use a bit more power, a sharper steering rack, and a high-quality infotainment screen, but none of that takes away from how fun it is to just get behind the wheel and drive. Whether you're 17 or 57, the BRZ invites you to pay attention, be present, and enjoy the simple act of piloting a great little car. In an era where more cars drive themselves, the BRZ remains one of the few still made for people who want to do the driving. And for that, it's something special. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Motor Trend
a day ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Hiding in Plain Sight: 10 of the Coolest Sleeper Wagons of All Time
Looking back, the IS300 SportCross might be one of the weirdest Lexuses ever made. It felt like it was caught in between a hatchback and a wagon, as it was neither square nor sloped enough to be definitively either. But because it was based on the sedan, we'll classify it as a wagon. Plus, it just gives us an excuse to write about it. From the rear doors forward, it was basically indistinguishable from its sedan counterpart and came with all the IS goodies of the day, including what is arguably one of the coolest analog driver gauges ever designed. 'At our test facility, we expected a wagon based on an already great compact sedan to be good, but not this good—nor this close to the sedan,' Walton wrote. 'A 0–60-mph blast takes just 0.2 second longer (at 7.6 seconds), and the quarter-mile run of 15.6 sec at 89.7 mph is closer still. As if that weren't enough, its slalom speed of 66.5 mph is a breath away from the sedan's 67.6-mph best. Brakes? Just 5 feet farther from 60 mph at 118 feet.' Practically speaking, the SportCross rode and handled like a sports car, which was just an added sleeper bonus.
Car and Driver
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
This 2007 Porsche Cayman S on Bring a Trailer Could Bring 911 Money
This early Cayman S has low mileage and lots of options. It's got a six-speed manual but also plenty of luxury items. Tasteful aftermarket touches are the icing on this mid-engine cake. In 2005, Porsche decided it would be a good idea to put a lid on the Boxster, and created a simply delightful little sports car in the process: the Cayman. The Boxster was already great, and turning it into a mid-engine coupe freed up some surprising liftback practicality and arguably added a little more style. Certainly such is the case if you pick the right paint color and options, and that's just what we have here. Bring a Trailer This 2007 Cayman S had virtually every box ticked, and it's up for auction on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). It's a six-speed manual, and it's finished in sumptuous Forest Green over a tan interior filled with tasteful wood veneer. It has the fairly rare option of Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM), not something you'd be surprised to find in a 911 Carrera S, but unusual for a Cayman. With just 26K miles on the odometer, it's seen light use and appears to be in superior condition. Bring a Trailer In 2007, this car stickered for more than $80,000, or about $125K today. Fully one-quarter of that price was in optional extras, from the Sport Chrono dash-mounted stopwatch to automatic climate control, to navigation, to leather sun visors. The 18-inch wheels are from Gold Motorsport, and they are the crowning touch on a very elegant little sport coupe. Factory wheels are included in the sale. Bring a Trailer When new, the 3.4-liter flat-six was good for 295 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Porsche always made sure the 911 put out better numbers, but for mid-engine balance a Cayman offers a wonderful experience. Having a proper clutch pedal and stick shift just makes it that much more rewarding, and PASM adds a little behind-the-scenes magic to the handling. Bring a Trailer The Boxster and the Cayman still live in the 911's shadow somewhat, but the right one can be just as fantastic as its big brother. The original owner of this example dug deep to get the specifications just right, and got all the details perfect—and bidders have responded enthusiastically. The auction ends on June 6. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lotus Made the 2026 Emira Even Better, But Is It Worth The Wait?
The 2026 Lotus Emira gets even more brilliant than its predecessor lots of new gear. Getting one Stateside might be an exercise in patience. Additional trim levels and revised running gear bring the Emira to a new level Lotus has a reputation for building some of the best-handling cars of all time. The Emira was already widely lauded, but Lotus is bringing a host of changes to keep the car on the razor's edge. There's a little bit of a catch, though. If you're a US-based shopper, you might be waiting a while — if you can even get one at all. 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More The Lotus Emira was already supremely focused, but it's a better sports car than ever for 2026 Lotus kicks off changes to the Emira with a new trim level, the V6 SE, which slots above the current V6 model with minor differences. Additional blacked-out trim, 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and unique badging are all unique to the model, which also comes standard in Zinc Grey paint. A new entry-level trim, the Turbo, comes in below the Turbo SE model and makes slightly less power from its turbocharged four-pot sourced from AMG. A new Racing Line trim, coming to Turbo SE and V6 SE variants, adds pinstripes, painted mirror caps, and unique black and silver exterior badging. There are several small changes impacting all 2026 Lotus Emira models, too. Lotus tinkered with damper calibration and dialed in the wheel alignment for improved handling and comfort. A new compression mount for manual-equipped cars offers gear changes with more precision than before, while DCT-equipped models enjoy faster and smoother shifts courtesy of recalibration efforts. Both versions also get slightly tweaked cooling systems that shed weight and better manage engine temps. 2026 Lotus Emira V6 — Source: Lotus It might sound good, but US-based shoppers will need patience if they want one In case you forgot, the Emira debuted back in 2021. If it seems like it's still a fairly new car, you're probably US-based. Here, the car wasn't really available until early 2024, when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) finally gave the car the go-ahead. Since then, tariffs have compounded the Emira's hardships, as Lotus pressed pause on all deliveries back in April. Conspicuously absent from the 2026 Emira's press release is any mention of US pricing, and there's a good reason. EmiraForum users report imports are still on hold, with 'vague' promises that shipments will resume 'in a few months.' Users on LotusTalk indicate plenty of 2025 models languishing in ports. What does it all mean? It means that, as usual, US shoppers who want an Emira will spend a lot of time waiting. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2026 Lotus Emira V6 — Source: Lotus Final thoughts The Emira's release Stateside is marred by unfortunate timing, and we fear the 2026 models won't be on the way for quite a while. But there is some silver lining: one EmiraForum user cites a dealer email signaling that an end is in sight. According to the email, 'Lotus awaits official documentation from the U.S. government specifying exactly what percentage of tariffs will be applied to imported Lotus vehicles.' After that, Lotus will adjust prices and proceed accordingly. To our eyes, that means the new and improved 2026 Lotus Emira will come to the United States eventually. With incremental improvements across the board, it's safe to say the steadfast among us will be well rewarded for their patience. This seems to be a common trend among British automobiles. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BRZ Sales Are Way Up Amid Subaru Sales Slide
Subaru at large faced a correction last month, but the sports car market didn't get the memo Subaru, among other automakers, has been enjoying month after month of record sales figures, in part thanks to the threat/eventuality of tariffs. While the brand remains up year over year, May 2025 saw Subaru move almost 6,000 fewer vehicles than in May 2024. It's a mixed bag across models, but there were a handful of winners. Arguably, the most surprising performance is by the brand's lone sports car offering, the Subaru BRZ. 0:08 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Sporty offerings were the biggest winners and losers for Subaru's May sales Diving into the numbers, Subaru's performance offerings are both a point of unexpected pride and a huge drag on the brand. The Subaru WRX tumbled 71.2 percent year-over-year, with the brand moving less than 500 examples off the lot last month. Year over year, the car is down 23.6 percent, the largest decline among the brand's lineup. On a positive note, the Subaru BRZ saw tremendous growth. A 43.6 percent gain compared to May 2024 helped the BRZ enjoy a 24.6 percent gain year-over-year. It's the second biggest gain for the brand, sitting aside the Solterra EV, another surprise, which saw a healthy 28.4 percent increase in volume year over year. There's a bit of a catch to that BRZ statistic, though. You see, Subaru only moved 227 BRZ coupes in May of 2024, so a 43.6 percent increase moves the needle to 326 units. That's hardly the volume needed to save the brand, and remarkably still fewer overall units than the WRX. At the current pace, Subaru is on track to sell nearly exactly 3,000 units over the entire year. Assuming the car stays in play for 10 years, that'll put BRZ production considerably under historically desirable and collectible models like the E46 BMW M3. Per year, BRZ sales are less than a quarter of what Porsche achieves with the 911. Subaru WRX 2025 Subaru BRZ It's complicated across the rest of the Subaru lineup, with sales fluctuating wildly The biggest drag on Subaru's May sales was the Outback. The brand moved just 11,214 examples compared to 16,506 last year, a drop of 32.1 percent and over 5,000 units. The Ascent, too, suffered a 32.8 percent decline, with 3,547 SUVs finding their way into customer hands as opposed to 5,277 in May 2024. There were some winners in May, though. The Crosstrek and Legacy both saw double-digit gains over the previous May and remain up year-to-date, with the former increasing by 15.5 percent and the latter by 24.4 percent. In fact, only the WRX, Outback, and Ascent are down year-to-date, where Subaru stays 3 percent ahead year to date compared to last year. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness — Source: Subaru Final thoughts Other than rekindling my desire to own a BRZ — it's rarer than a Porsche 911, you see — Subaru's sales numbers for May only really paint a bleak picture for the WRX. We're not sure what's going on there, although there's speculation that a new STI model may be on the way. Perhaps would-be buyers are waiting to see where that thread leads. Either way, the next time an automaker starts whinging that sports cars don't sell, we have exactly one data point to rub in their face. Hopefully, they don't look too far into it. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
