2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow new car reviews

As far as the Subaru BRZ goes, the Series.Yellow is about as kitted out as you can get one from the factory. Only 500 were built. They come with all the extras found in the Performance Package like upgraded Brembo brakes and Sachs performance shocks. However the Series.Yellow package also adds unique interior trim, 17x7.5-inch black aluminum wheels and, of course, that bright yellow paint.

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Joe Gearin
Joe Gearin
PowerDork

The BRZ receives a lot of flack on the interwebs because it isn’t all things to all people. What internet trolls fail to understand is that it wasn’t made for them. This is not a car for the person that craves 400hp. This is not a car for those that are addicted to creature comforts. This is not a car for those who value numbers on paper, instead of visceral communication. The BRZ was intended to be a sharply focused enthusiast’s car. This screaming yellow version that recently graced our office was a good example of this.

With the “Series.Yellow” package, Subaru sharpened the BRZ scalpel a bit. The suspension is stiffer, the brakes larger, and the car feels more on edge than the standard car. This is good and bad. Sharpened reflexes are a good thing, while the stiffer ride, and more nervous behavior make the car slightly less livable in the day-to-day slog. This suspension package wasn’t punishing, but honestly, I’d rather start with a standard car and build the suspension to my tastes.

This “Series.Yellow” version was a pleasure to spend time with, like all BRZs and FRSs I’ve driven. It’s true, the engine is not stellar, and the power delivery isn’t linear, with a strange flat spot occurring around 3000 rpm. This car takes a bit of getting used to, but once acclimated to the engine’s quirks, it’s a blast to zip around in.

Internet trolls notwithstanding, the BRZ stands atop the lightweight sporty coupe market. The driving enjoyment it doles out is only rivaled by the ND-chassis Mazda MX-5, but the BRZ offers much more usable space and a mini back seat. There are other (much larger and more powerful) options on the market, but if you are looking to carve canyons, dodge cones, or hit the track on a limited budget, the BRZ is hard to beat.

I would forgo this special edition and stick with the standard car though. The added frosting our test car came with isn’t worth the added cost in my opinion.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

I actually got to experience this special edition BRZ months ago when they launched it. You can find my full review right here.

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Comments
Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
11/15/17 3:56 p.m.

As I usually say, how long until someone complains about power?

 

The0retical
The0retical SuperDork
11/15/17 4:10 p.m.
Appleseed said:

As I usually say, how long until someone complains about power?

 

I was going to make a joke about the Brembo's purpose beyond the epeen and bragging rights but I'm starting to feel like the power debate is played out.

Looks good in yellow and the boy racer in me digs the interior. I think Joe is right that considering the aftermarket support for the platform, why not just build a suspension to suit?

dean1484
dean1484 GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
11/15/17 4:11 p.m.

I saw one a while back. I liked it.

why
why New Reader
11/16/17 6:28 a.m.

In reply to The0retical :

not everyone wants to deal with the headaches of modifying a car. These special editions are for people that will keep it stock, and there are tons of them out there. For an enthusiast buying a used 13 or 14 and modding the heck out of it is the way to go.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
11/16/17 8:22 a.m.

Bluetooth, Nav, heated seats and Alcantara..........other than a crummy stock stereo I feel like the BRZ Limited I own has plenty of creature comforts.

 

Oh and it doesn't make enough power.

759NRNG
759NRNG Dork
11/16/17 8:29 a.m.

Educemate me why the WRXSTi 305hp bullet is not in the nose of this .......oh and the front drive axle too????

mtn
mtn MegaDork
11/16/17 8:53 a.m.

 Still doesn't have enough power for me. 

Appleseed said:

As I usually say, how long until someone complains about power?

 

Looks like about 17 hours. But I still contend that it isn't the amount of power, but rather the power-band. It is faster than my Miata, but it just doesn't feel like it is TO ME. 

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
11/16/17 9:17 a.m.
759NRNG said:

Educemate me why the WRXSTi 305hp bullet is not in the nose of this .......oh and the front drive axle too????

Packaging. There isn't room. 

NickD
NickD UltraDork
11/16/17 9:40 a.m.
Appleseed said:

As I usually say, how long until someone complains about power?

 

I got laughed at recently after I co-drove a D/Street BRZ at an autocross when my 1.6L Miata broke and I was raving about how much power the BRZ had. It would break the tires loose at will (On RE71Rs) and wouldn't bog coming out of corners or if I launched at less than 5000rpm. All a matter of perspective, I suppose.

Fitzauto
Fitzauto Dork
11/16/17 9:42 a.m.

That color makes me happy. 

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