Following multiple worldwide awards for Subaru's BRZ sports car, now its very heart has been recognised, winning the 2013 Ward's 10 "Best Engines" award.

Ward's Autoworld, a monthly automotive industry magazine for professionals worldwide, named the BRZ's FA20 2.0 litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine the winner of its 10 Best Engines award.

It is Subaru's third win of the prestigious Ward's accolade - its first was in 2004 and again in 2010, both with the EJ25 2.5-litre turbocharged Boxer engine.

Subaru's FA20 is a compact, lightweight and low centre-of-gravity engine specially developed for the BRZ to achieve the vehicle's ultra-low centre of gravity packaging, which delivers excellent handling performance.

The FA20 is designed with a completely square bore and stroke of 86 x 86 mm, offering exhilarating high-revving up to the rpm limit. In combination with Toyota's D-4S direct injection and port injection technology, it provides excellent environmental performance, as well as a superior output.

A panel of 10 WardsAuto editors chose the winners from among 40 new or significantly upgraded engines based on power, technology, observed fuel economy, relative competitiveness, noise, and vibration harshness characteristics.

To be eligible, each engine must be available in a regular-production U.S.-specification model on sale no later than first quarter 2013, in a vehicle with a base price below US$55,000.

This week, BRZ was also named 2012 Wheels Car of the Year on the 50th anniversary of the prestigious Australian award.

Among BRZ's other awards this year:

  • News Limited/Carsguide Car of the Year 2012
  • Carsales Australia network's People's Choice Best Performance Car Under $100,000 (with the Toyota 86).
  • 2013 Sports Car of the Year by Canadian website Auto123.com.
  • 2012-2013 Japan Car of the Year "Special Award" (with the Toyota 86).
  • 2012 Sports Car of the Year in French car magazine, Echappement.

For further information, contact:

David Rowley
National Corporate Affairs Manager
Subaru Australia
Telephone: (02) 8892 9853
Mobile: 0418 237 252
Fax: (02) 8892 9121
E-mail: david.rowley@subaru.com.au