Subaru BRZ ZC15 (2027): 15 Years of Rear-Wheel-Drive Fun

A Special BRZ for a 15-Year Milestone

Subaru is celebrating 15 years of the BRZ with the new 2027 BRZ ZC15, a limited-production anniversary edition created around the qualities that have defined the compact rear-wheel-drive sports car since its introduction. The ZC15 name references the chassis code of the first-generation BRZ that arrived in the U.S. market in 2012, creating a direct connection between the anniversary car and the original model. Limited to just 300 examples, the ZC15 is based on the BRZ tS and combines STI-tuned chassis hardware with exclusive exterior and interior details. Subaru plans to bring the car to U.S. showrooms in early 2027, with pricing and final detailed specifications to be announced closer to launch.

228 HP From a Naturally Aspirated Boxer

Power comes from the familiar 2.4-litre naturally aspirated SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder, producing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the standard BRZ range, the ZC15 is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels through the car's classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Subaru also retains the Torsen limited-slip rear differential, allowing the driver to make full use of the chassis balance and rear-wheel-drive configuration. The naturally aspirated engine's high-revving character remains central to the BRZ formula, with Subaru deliberately keeping the ZC15 focused on driver involvement rather than simply increasing output.

STI Hardware for Sharper Handling

The ZC15 builds on the performance specification of the BRZ tS, receiving a suspension specifically tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI). The setup is designed to provide more precise control through corners while retaining the lightweight, balanced characteristics for which the BRZ is known. Braking performance is upgraded with Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear fixed calipers paired with large ventilated rotors, while the car rides on 18-inch bronze-finish aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tyres. A flexible V-bar under the bonnet further contributes to chassis rigidity.

Ceramic White and Bronze Details

The ZC15 receives a visual treatment created specifically for the anniversary edition. Its body is finished exclusively in Ceramic White, a colour unavailable on the rest of the 2027 BRZ range, and is paired with matte-bronze 18-inch wheels, red Brembo brake calipers and unique bronze decals positioned around the side sills. The colour combination deliberately echoes the white-and-bronze theme previously associated with the 2020 BRZ tS. At the rear, a black low-profile decklid spoiler provides a subtle aerodynamic enhancement while giving the anniversary model its own visual signature.

A Distinctive Driver-Focused Cabin

Inside, the ZC15 receives a combination of black leather-appointed upholstery and Bordeaux Red inserts, creating a cabin treatment exclusive to the anniversary model. A dedicated ZC15 plaque identifies the limited edition, while an STI short shifter with an aluminium-and-leather shift knob provides a more direct connection between driver and gearbox. The BRZ's driver-focused dashboard retains its configurable digital instrumentation, including Normal, Sport and Track displays, while the basic architecture remains deliberately straightforward and centred around the driving experience.

300 Cars for BRZ Enthusiasts

The limited production run makes the ZC15 significantly more exclusive than the regular BRZ. Only 300 units will be produced, and every example will share the Ceramic White exterior, bronze wheels and six-speed manual rear-wheel-drive configuration. Rather than creating a completely different mechanical package, Subaru has used the anniversary edition to combine existing STI-developed performance hardware with a carefully selected collection of unique colours, trim and details. This approach keeps the ZC15 closely connected to the BRZ's established driving philosophy while giving the 15th-anniversary model its own identity.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Subaru BRZ ZC15 celebrates the BRZ by staying true to the fundamentals that made the nameplate distinctive in the first place. Its naturally aspirated 2.4-litre Boxer engine, six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, Torsen limited-slip differential and STI-tuned suspension preserve the classic sports-car formula, while Brembo brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and additional chassis hardware add a sharper performance focus. With just 300 examples, exclusive Ceramic White and bronze detailing, a Bordeaux Red interior and a direct connection to the original ZC chassis code, the ZC15 serves as a compact tribute to 15 years of Subaru's rear-wheel-drive sports-car programme.

SOURCE: SUBARU OF AMERICA OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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