Subaru Is Returning to Rallying, but Not with the Car You Might Anticipate.

      Subaru

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      The BRZ showcases that a Subaru can be enjoyable without a turbocharger or all-wheel drive, and it has participated in the Japanese Super GT series, albeit in a heavily modified version, for several years. Since rallying is integral to Subaru's heritage, it was only a matter of time before this rear-wheel-drive sports car made its rally debut.

      This week, Subaru revealed that its factory team will enter a rally-ready BRZ in the third round of the 2026 All-Japan Rally Championship, set to take place from May 8-10 in Nara Prefecture, located in the central-south region of Honshu, Japan. Known as the Boxer Rally Spec.Z, it will compete in the JN1 class, with Toshihiro Arai behind the wheel and Yuichiyo Ando as co-driver.

      Although it retains the stock BRZ body, the Spec.Z features all-wheel drive and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Subaru has also equipped the standard road car’s 2.4-liter boxer-four engine with a turbocharger, resulting in approximately 276 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque—48 hp and 184 lb-ft more than the U.S. BRZ model. The torque output is actually double that of the standard road version.

      The Spec.Z is constructed according to the same JP4 regulations that the WRX S4 currently follows in the All-Japan Rally Championship. The JP4 rules stipulate a minimum curb weight of 2,866 pounds, which has proven challenging for the WRX S4, but the lighter BRZ easily meets the requirement. This allowed Subaru to achieve the minimum weight by using ballast, which can be adjusted within the vehicle to optimize the front-to-rear weight distribution and maintain a low center of gravity.

      For rally purposes, the lightweight two-door coupe body is enhanced with fender flares and a broader front air intake, giving the Spec.Z a charming open-mouth appearance, complete with a large rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels finished in a rally-suitable white.

      Audi established all-wheel drive as a requirement in the top tiers of the World Rally Championship long before Subaru entered the fray. It’s possible that Toyota may follow suit with a formal GR86 rally car, as they have already created a Celica-inspired concept utilizing GR Corolla components, while aftermarket company Kuhl Racing offers a rally-style body kit and suspension lift.

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