Subaru is returning to rallying, but not with the vehicle you might anticipate.

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      The BRZ demonstrates that a Subaru can be enjoyable without needing a turbocharger or all-wheel drive, and it has participated in the Japanese Super GT series (in extensively modified versions) for several years. However, since rallying is central to Subaru’s essence, it was probably 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 field a rally-ready BRZ in the third round of the 2026 All-Japan Rally Championship, set for May 8-10 in Nara Prefecture, located in the south-central region of the main Japanese island of Honshu. Named the Boxer Rally Spec.Z, it will compete in the JN1 class, with Toshihiro Arai driving and Yuichiyo Ando as co-driver.

      While it retains the stock BRZ body structure, the Spec.Z is all-wheel drive and equipped with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Subaru has also incorporated a turbocharger into the standard 2.4-liter boxer-four engine from the road car. This modification provides the rally version with approximately 276 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 48 hp and 184 lb-ft compared to a U.S.-spec BRZ road car. The torque figure is effectively doubled compared to the standard vehicle.

      The Spec.Z conforms to the same JP4 regulations as the WRX S4 Subaru currently competes with in the All-Japan Rally Championship. JP4 dictates a minimum curb weight of 2,866 pounds, a target the WRX S4 has found challenging to meet, whereas the lighter BRZ comfortably exceeds the requirement. This allowed Subaru to achieve the minimum weight using ballast, which can be strategically distributed around the car to optimize front/rear weight balance and maintain a low center of gravity.

      For its rally tasks, the lightweight two-door coupe body shell features prominent wing-like fender flares and an enlarged front air intake, giving the Spec.Z a charming open-mouth appearance, complemented by a substantial rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels in a rally-friendly white finish.

      Audi made all-wheel drive a prerequisite in the top tiers of the World Rally Championship long before Subaru entered the fray. Perhaps Toyota will soon follow suit with an official GR86 rally car. The manufacturer has already created a concept car inspired by the Celica that utilizes GR Corolla components, and the aftermarket company Kuhl Racing provides a rally-style body kit and suspension lift.

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