Subaru BR-Z Revealed in Polyphony Digital Studio Tour

Before the Gran Turismo Asia Championship 2012, the finalists were invited on a tour of Polyphony Digital’s new offices in Tokyo. A video which features some highlights of the event has been released, and contains a few interesting surprises.

At approximately 1:35 in the clip above, a 3D model of the Subaru BR-Z is displayed on a Polyphony Digital employee’s computer screen. The car, though based on the Toyota 86 which was introduced in Gran Turismo 5 earlier this year, is considered a separate model and is not currently available in the game.

As pointed out by “Foxiol” in our forums, a potential clue can be found in the file name displayed, indicating the model is “for_event_00”.

Though it’s not specified what such an event may be, a possible candidate is the Tokyo Game Show – the last major international event for the video game industry in 2012 – which begins next Thursday, September 20.

“Flaco13” also noticed the file appears to be stored in a folder labeled “Geheimnis”, which is the German word for “secret”.

Stay tuned for full coverage of any news which may come out of the show next week!

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Comments (216)

  1. uneaq27

    I would appreciate more if they ACTUALLY LISTEN TO US and PROVIDE US with WHAT we, THE CONSUMERS, want and made sense!!!
    What was that pkg with that 69 Beetle? HELL. Some enjoyed it, but I DIDNT. There are far more better and much needed cars out there than that one. We already have plenty of it and same goes for that GT-R35 which they keep on bringing up in almost every package!!! They dont know in what form to present it to us anymore, but sure do know how to get $1 out of us.
    BMW M3 1989, street/race mod, BMW M1, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, any Race Moded Ferraris, The WTCC cars, DTM, Australian V8 Supercars, about the FIA GT Champ Aston Martin??? My list goes on… Simple but effective.
    What if they would stopt offering us that GT-R35… and actually give some more RACING cars!?!?! I remember in GT2 we had that G20 race Mod, Rx-7 1983 street/race mod, toyota Altezza street/race mod…
    Why dont ther work instead into that section and bring the Race Modification to most of the cars?
    Why dont they work instead into more aero parts than the ugly spoilers we have? Nicer body Kits? NICER RIMS???
    Much bigger variety of RIMS would seal the deal.
    Option to choose wiether you want a single tail pipe or those sealy 2 tail pipes… like in the Evo X.

  2. SavageEvil

    Color me surprised…people just don’t get it. Whilst the car looks relatively the same, they are still different in many ways. Only those obsessed with looks seem to complain, as people who enjoy pushing each car to it’s limits and then figuring out the best way to tune it appreciate this sort of thing. Same platform, engine and dimensions do not automatically make these cars equal or the same. Different suspension set ups, gearing, tires, tire track, differential setting…lots of other things make these cars very different even if on the outside they all look practically the same.

    1. QuikSlvr223

      I thought the only difference was that the BRZ had a different front bumper, and more things like satellite navigation and heated seats, making it heavier, and therefore giving the FR-S better performance.

    2. MuoNiuLa

      Why is everyone being put into two groups? That’s what I don’t get. I enjoy driving a car to its limits (couldn’t care less about in-depth tuning though) but the BRZ is still low on my list. Not everything is black and white.

    3. SavageEvil

      @MuoNiuLa What does it matter how many groups, either you tune cars or you don’t…whether it’s lightly tuned, max tuned or not tuned, either you do or you don’t. I notice that the first people to complain are those who don’t try to tune the car and get the best out of it(or those who give up easily), just want to see this car or that car but aren’t actually enjoying anything other than just having another car because it gives them joy. When the fact is, just looking at the three cars then driving them you will notice all the differences in each, that’s the truth that people who enjoys cars period and those who only like the next hottest thing in MotorTrend. I have a garage with so many cars and sometimes multiple cars tuned with different configurations, why? Because it’s just fun to tune and drive the car, seems like a pretty lame thing to do, but I just enjoy doing it. It’s why I got the game, tune and take the car out for rides around my favorite courses. If you’re playing GT5 then by now you should know the ins and outs of things, no two cars are alike no matter how identical they look(no I don’t mean exact copies either) all those versions of cars are all inherently different, I drove a good many of them. Some are pretty bad try driving the RX-7 FD 91 and then the 02, you’ll see what I mean, while you’re at it try all the years in between too, you will notice the gradual changes and subtle differences. This is what I enjoy most about that incessantly large GT5 car count.

    4. SimonK

      All of what you said might be true for the real world but PD have a history of not modelling different physics for similar cars like this correctly. So what happens if the cars feels exactly the same as the other cars, is it still worth it?

  3. Youngun

    if we can get that software and create a missing car, could we send it to PD and get it in game??? wish we could get car files and create racing versions or custom rides :)

    1. GabouMachine44

      Nice idea, I would like to get the car that I prefer in the game. Everyone could have the possibility to drive his favorite car

    2. TeamCZRRacing

      @Youngun 3D modelling software on PS3? No thanks, I’ll go with Blender on the PC. If only there was a way to (legally) import our 3D models and handling data into the game. That would be awesome!

    1. Zuel

      Slighty in performance and in tuning of the engine, slight change in the door handles, differnt front noise and rear fairing may some changes in side the car as well but that’s all. All the cars run the same frame, rear gear box, trany, front clip, power plant exe.

  4. Zuel

    If PD is going to resort to this then they should give us the race model as well. Granted yes GT is about cars and the manufactures, though those same manufactures have the SAME CARS are racing (RACE CAR FORM). I enjoy running street cars around the track just like everyone else but in a manageable manner not all balls out. Track days with the right minded drivers is a blast and very rewarding compared to the right minded drivers or upcoming drivers running balls out. Though in all if they are going to make agreements with these manufactures showcased in Gran Turismo then they should allow us to RM that car.

    1. Zuel

      @ QuikSlvr223

      I agree, though the car must be tuned to 500pp not detuned to 500pp. I ran 15 sessions last night in a 500pp car and I haven’t done that in almost a year due to people overly tuning then detuning it to fit in a class. At the same time messing up in the raceso I stopped. Now that I found a group of drivers that are taking the time to what does what is great. Now I can go back to enjoying full on racing in street cars knowing that I have a well round driver on the outside door or where ever. It ook two years for some of you to understand the true effects of tuning the motors to the max. Though like momma alway says.

      ” A hard head makes for a soft @33″

  5. GranTurismo916

    Kind of annoying. We should have stock FRS, TRD GT86, and the GT300 BR-Z. What’s the point of working on a car that you’ve already modeled 2 times?

    By the way, Kaz, you said that you noticed that there are too many duplicates of cars in GT5. Why continue to make more?

  6. pasigiri

    I was afraid of this. First the GT-R and the Miata, now the FT86/FR-S/BRZ. Same car. Not a NEW car. If it was the GT300 version I would be excited.

  7. Maddens Raiders

    Premium all of the Le Mans Prototypes and I will give you my soul PD. (this is not a complaint; I love the game as is already)

  8. TheGTGuy

    Look pd don’t just have the fans to please they also have promises to keep to manufacturers and putting the likes of this car in the game.

  9. A7X_GT5

    I am a die-hard Gran Turismo fan,but this game’s fanbase scares the living hell out of me
    How can you like and support PD for being so lazy?Back when they released the Scion-FR,people were joking about them adding the BR-Z next
    But they really are doing that.It’s just pathetic,instead of giving us some DLC which I would gladly buy and show my support to PD,they are planning on releasing the same car with the Subaru badge and minor handling changes
    PD keeps disappointing me,I hope this is because they’re dedicating their potential to Gran Turismo 6

    1. Pit Crew

      Wouldnt say we like it, but “It is what it is”. This car is probably a GT6 model anyway, but if it comes for GT5 as a free car to go with the other 2 Ill take it.

      I Dont wanna waste to much energy second guessing PD & Kazs business decision for GT5. Im still playing daily after almost 2yrs, Just sayin….

  10. fortbo

    i hope they improve the sounds for the nascars, im not saying they are bad they are actually very good, but yestrday i was at chicagoland speedway for a sprint cup race and they still have a ways to go.

  11. Conza

    How impressed can I be? Its a new skin, on an existing baseline development, its taken a million years, so the only real benefit will be to see the gear ratios and suspension changes that the BR-Z applies compared to the FT-86 (assuming PD bother to change it, they often ignore the finer details).

  12. Banane

    That’s interesting… Lately I’ve driven the FR-S and it was crap (to mi opinion, though). Then I decided to compare with the Toyota FT86. And I was surprised, what hell of fun the Hobel was to drive. Directly added the FT86 to my Fav-List.

    Another thing is: FT86, was free (as far as I am remember right), the Scion.. was free too.. so if the Subaru is as free as the other two, I don’t actually give a damn!! Maybe the Subaru is better (or not) than the original Toyota, lets see the positive sides: We can compare, and everyone can choose his personal favourite. And I do not think, the effort they had making the BRZ was that much, so that they have no more time to make 120 less new Premium Cars.
    Is the BRZ 4WD like all the other Subarus? So the difference would be quite remarkable..

  13. RobDoggy05

    In my personal opinion, when Toyota and Subaru made/design this car, not only should they have put Subaru’s 2.0 boxer flat four engine in, but they should of brought out a model with the Toyota Supra’s 2JZGTE engine (3.0 straight six twin turbo) as well. An engine of all time greats and probably the best sounding engine of all time. A combination of that car and that engine would be royalty in my books!

    1. Pit Crew

      My Bad RobD. Seems like Toyota gave alot of the engineering duties over to Subaru when they started development.

      Heres a Quote from a Reviewer/Tester:

      Toyota readily admits the lion’s share of the development was done by Subaru. However, according to Toyota, plans and objectives came from its engineers and were merely executed by Subaru’s team. (There’s that contradiction again.) For example, the all-new platform and chassis are from Subaru. Toyota made contributions along the way, such as adding its eight-injector direct and port fuel injection to Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat-four.

      Just seems like Toyota was more comfortable going with Subaru engine while still holding on (Somewhat) to oversight of the Joint Venture. Not Arguing, just reasoning.

  14. RedBaron

    Wouldn’t be better spent time to import 90’s Impreza GT [Premium] instead of this Toyota/Scion copy? Not speaking about some Premium RUFs or 60’s classic Ferraris. PD’s priorities are still very awkward for me…

    1. Tvensky

      old school cars overall should be THE priority, they have history, heritage, soul and the looks. Modern cars don’t have any of it and they suck performance wise too, and if any car gets better with electronic stuff that’s even worse and more boring! I do get it, it’s all evolution and needed for modern society, but it lacks fun and taste, especially for gaming!

  15. LarryL

    @LegoBrain
    Thanks for the info. I’m actually not a fan of Toyota or especially Subaru, so I never would have noticed things like shared door handles or interior doo-dads. But Toyota gaining ownership of Subaru would still have been something I found interesting. The first I even heard a hint of it was on these forums, and people saying the BZR and gt86 were the same platform. Again thanks for the info.

  16. Ben78

    I find it incredible that some people are like “OMG ! THE BRZ, GREAT WORK PD” while in fact, it’s the same car as the Scion FR-S. What’s next, academy BRZ/Scion and people will be “Yes, another new car”…

    Pathetic. Am I expecting too much from the vast majority of users here, to be knowledgeable to the very least ?

    PD makes it look like they are working 24/7 to add a car that is exactly the same as the Scion.

  17. gtv86

    Lol your all a funny lot. The BRZ and gt86 are exactly the same car mechanically, only difference is the cosmetics and suspension setup (slightly stiffer at the front.) How do I know, I’ve got one sitting in my driveway :)

    1. Zuel

      I give that a +10.

      People really need to understand a thing or two about the automotive industry. During the time of the GAS crunch back in the late 70’s and mid 80’s a lot of company got together to save money by putting their products together. What you see going has happen too many time before, companies like Chrysler and Mitsubishi formed to make the Conquest, Ford and Nissan forming to make the first turbocharged Mustang, GM and Toyota formed to make the first turbocharged Pontiac Fire Bird. The only car out of the bunch that also sold in Japan was the Conquest. The Japanese community really liked the look of the Conquest and that why it sold so well for its first year. The difference between the two the state side car had a lager turbo. So before some of you go off saying I want this or that make sure you know the car and well.

      Don’t want to blemish your automotive savvy right?

    2. Pit Crew

      The 2.0 Boxer Engine is unique to the BRZ. So much so that Subaru gave it a New Code designation of FA different from even the WRXs EC of FB. Not same engineering, though parts bin sharing with some, SOME, Toyota Models.

    3. Zuel

      @ Pit Crew

      The only difference between to BR-Z engine and the FR-S engine are the bore, stroke, porting of the heads and the tune. Both uses the same block and head casting, from there the engine are worked on to specifications for that brand. You can put either engine in either model along with the ECU. It has already been done.

    4. Pit Crew

      @ Zuel Thats all fine and good, as those are Mechanical Differences, not just Cosmetic and Suspension tuning as the OP states.

    5. Pit Crew

      GNX was done with GM/ ASC/Mclaren. Unless toyota had a stake in that company.

      3.8 litre GM sourced V6 with a Garrett Turbo charger from what I remember.

  18. TokoTurismo

    Some of you whiny babies who’re complaining about the BRZ being like the GT86 and FR-S, need to seriously get over yourselves and DEAL WITH IT. The BRZ is a different car from both the GT86 and the FR-S, so why not shut up and don’t bother with it.

    For us who wants it, we’ll stick with it. Thank you very much for the Subaru BRZ PD, now we have all three. AWESOME!!! :D

    1. MuoNiuLa

      But is the BRZ not still related to the other two? All I’m saying is, it would be nice for PD to have a TOTALLY different car altogether made for the game. But who knows, hopefully the BRZ is just one car in a future car pack and this won’t be the only thing we’re getting.

    2. LarryL

      @MuoNiuLa
      OK, so by your logic all the people who wish for, and ask PD for Pontiac Firebirds shouldn’t want them because: “Hey. there are plenty of Camaros in the game. Same thing, right?”. (that’s me quoting your logic) It’s non-sense.

      On the topic of this car though. Since when, and why would Toyota and Subaru be sharing platforms? I understand all GM, Ford, Audi and many more companies sharing platforms between their subsidiary companies, like Chevy and Cadillac, Ford and Jaguar, Audi and Lambo. But did Toyota buy out Subaru in the past months and I didn’t hear about it? I’ve been wondering forever why these cars are sharing platforms.

    3. MuoNiuLa

      @LarryL: Except I never implied the BRZ should never be in the game by saying people shouldn’t want it. Don’t put words in my mouth. Thanks.

      What I was trying to say is that I wish PD would first implement as many unique cars as possible before immediately putting variations of existing cars they just did. We already got the Scion FR-S not too long ago and the GT-86 was already added before that.

    4. legobrainboy

      @LarryL: Toyota bought Fuji Heavy Industries a long time ago. Fuji owns Subaru. Therefore Toyota owns Subaru. Take a look at the 2010 Impreza – it shares doorhandles and some switches with a few toyota models. I think even some engine ancillaries and a few electrical components are shared between these two brands.

      Another interesting business partnership Toyota has that few people know about is with Lotus. Everyone knows that Lotus sources engines from Toyota for a few variants of the Elise but for a time I think Toyota had controlling ownership of Lotus. I read up a bit about it but didn’t really understand all the business lingo. From what I understood, I think they still have some sort of mutual agreement. Some sources even hypothesize that Lotus was involved in the development of the GT86/FR-S/BRZ. That to me explains why the car handles so well! If you think about it, a lightweight, moderately powered, tight handling rear-wheel drive sports car is something that’s right up Lotus’ alley! Neither Toyota nor Subaru is known for that sort of stuff. The original AE86 doesn’t count because it wasn’t moderately powered back in its day nor was it tight handling in any way despite what that cartoon wants you to think. Not straight out of the box, at least.

  19. slidinsidewayz

    for those of you that don’t know it is based of the same thing as the toyota 86gt and the scion fr-s 12′ only difference is the extra 100hp they added… i’ve personally been dying for this car to get released…

  20. Honda-Crz

    Has anyone read the top of the picture. It says BRZ STI Concept, and on the right of the screen all of the boxes are unchecked which say things like F Spoiler and Spoiler. Seems like all of the pieces are nearly modelled but they are just showing the shell of the car.

  21. crcn11

    Why does everyone think this is the same as the Toyota? The Scion is pretty much the same as the Toyota but the Scoob is different.

  22. TheGTGuy

    Dispite the haters saying PD are lazy copying a car model and rebadging it, i think pd are doing a good job and I’m looking forward to using the BRZ even if they don’t allow us to race modify it.

    1. Maddens Raiders

      Be prepared to be attacked by a few rabid haters on this site who will try and convince you that GT5 sucks despite your affinity for the title. They might also try to convince you that the Brooklyn Bridge is for sale as well.

  23. RandomCarGuy17

    So, we might finally have the trio completely in GT5, awesome. I like the brz more than the other too cars tbh.

    Also, I have a stupid question to ask, where’s the citroen ds3 at?! I’ve seen 3 comments down below me so far that it was spotted.

    1. Jaycue58

      Well i’m sure if you think about it long enough you will realise that GRAN turismo’s DEVELOPERS are Japanese ………………there’s your clue…………………doh!

    2. lbpomg95

      So don’t play the bloody game then. You already knew what to expect of PD after GT2 and GT4, so quit whining and either be constructive or just don’t play GT5.

    3. RACECAR

      Better idea: How about you not buy the damn thing? How about you also chilling out, Three variations of one model hardly equals the 200 Million you exadurate.

  24. Gearhead37

    Their design software dashboard looks like 3D modeling meets photoshp.

    I thought the official wheel for GT5 is the T500.. Does anyone know why they are not up to date?

  25. spikeyhairdude

    I do love when the scoin frs was released on gt5 most people complained. Now a another coming out and most people love it.

  26. LR-MR-Cole

    Not bad even though theres already 2 of them but different manufactures. I would say the BR-Z is the best from a performance point of view. But why cant we have something like the F12 Berlinetta or the F10 M5.

  27. Quakebass

    The news of the BR-Z isn’t all that exciting, or surprising, but I’m getting interested with this “for_event_00” and the “Geheimnis” file…

  28. Rdp616

    Can we get some info on a car that will actually excite us? I can’t get excited about a car that is already in the game under 3 different brand names…-_-..

  29. cheba

    BRZ is not a copy of the “original” as you call it, Toyota. The car was jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, and is assembled in a Subaru factory.

  30. CJSpencer77

    Whatever you say when it comes to moddeling cars they seem to be lazy in thier choices, just doin re-hashes of models they already have time and time again, i just want to see something totally different.

  31. JAMMIT

    What find odd in the video is all the racers are using Logitech driving force gt’s when we were all told polyphony officially supports thrustmaster. very interesting.

  32. Amac500

    Just do us 1 favor PD, make the BR-Z race modifiable, we keep adding cars but none have race mods, we really need some mire race mods!

  33. Pit Crew

    Kaz is so gangsta lol, The Conspiracy Theorist in me finds it oddly funny how Video was edited to catch a PD team working on a file labeled Secret haha. tup. (^…^)

    1. helix_9

      The GT86 is the european version of the 86. If they wanna milk it they could still add that version. All I want is the ability to turbo them!

  34. Amac500

    Hehe hehe, ohhh we all knew it was coming, lol. I just want 1 more real world series, like how NASCAR and Super-GT is. Be it indycar (my favorite), V8 Supercars, GT3 spec, or Grand-Am I’ll be happy. Or what about DTM? We have the license but they are all standard cars. We could add some current ones and it would be like how NASCAR and Super-GT are. But yeah, other then that I’ll I NEED is a livery maker, that’s one of those bells and whistles Forza has that real makes it a personal experience. But preferably indycar, nice fast open wheel racing and I could see it being fun on any track in the game :)

    1. Sick Cylinder

      Agreed.

      Plus a Can Am series – add the Mclaren M6 and M8. the UOP Shadow and Porsche 917 to compete agaist the Chaparral 2J and 2D.

      Plus a saloon car race series – there are a few already in the game such as the Lexus IS200 and BMW 320.

  35. Bahundanda

    So happy to see this tooootally new car. Hopefully it´ll be a DLC with a brand new Skyline, Miata, RX7,GTR…………..

  36. AngelPlayStar

    wow … Can’t wait GT6 in 2020 … when this will be in the Toyota and Subaru Dealership like new .. but from ’12 … :D

  37. Youngun

    I only feel the difference between the 2 (or soon 3) untuned. once tuned, they feel the same. Guess Photoshop wasnt enough to just change the badge and plate then lol.

    1. Pit Crew

      Not same engineering as the scion/toyota, though some parts bin sharing. (Direct Fuel Injection system from Toyota.)

      Subaru developed 2.0 liter engine is first connected to a rear wheel drivetrain, and purposely developed around larger (17s) tires to accompany its lower profile and Nurb tuning.

      I think we will like it.

  38. JohAE86

    This is awesome news, seeing as I own a BRZ in real life and not an FR-S. Now I don’t have to scoot on by using the wrong nameplate of the car! Hope they program in the BRZ’s extra understeer, too!

  39. Pit Crew

    Good catch Flaco-13 eagle eyes you got there.

    Thank you Jordan for keeping these “snipets” flowing

    A shout out for tpark!!! He also helped dig up some info on this topic.

    1. Flaco13

      Yes thanks to tpark, he spotted the BRZ in the video in the first place and opened up the thread. Thank you Jordan for the elevation of the news… and Pit Crew… thx :)

  40. TokoTurismo

    YES! We have all three of them now, super happy and excited. :D I wonder if its GT300 model will follow it as well. Will it appear in GT6? It’ll make so much sence you know? :)

    Like @Foxiol said in the forums, the concept version of this car may appear in a last update for GT5? Hmm. I’m just happy knew the Subaru BRZ was coming to GT anyway. ;)

    1. Foxiol

      Well if not GT6 Toko, we can expect more about GT5…a last huge update with maybe who knows…some free cars (these Subaru´s) alone with a cool DLC and a track. Just to keep us busy until GT6 will be announced.

      I don´t think we are going to see anything about GT6 until late next year. This year is at its end and TGS is almost the last opportunity to announce something for the PS3 and for 2013. If Sony has plans to announce the PS4 or release it in 2014/15 (at last) 2013 could be the year…but wait till E3 as “usually”.

      This TGS 2012 will be for Vita and for the upcoming PS3 exclusives (2013) and probably the new Slim version. More exclusives more PS3 to sell you know. They are focusing in that. A GT6 game could help with that too…but the overall PS3 life cycle is at its end.
      (despite the 10 year life cycle of course, that has to do with production related stuff)

      But releasing a GT6 after the flaws on GT5 in the same console sounds a little bit confusing.
      They are mapping new tracks as Silverstone and Bathurst for sure for the next game. That work (each track) takes more or less 6 months to make (not by their words, it takes that time to make it right, iRacing uses Laser scan and 10 people to make each track and it takes 6 months, as an example).

      Dream for a great last update now to give more life to GT5 because as a game, is too late on its own cycle to give it more content…of course that if you are working in the upcoming title.

    2. TokoTurismo

      I can dig a final update for GT5, (Spec 3.0) and release it on the same day as Forza Horizon take its gold HAHAHA!!! >XD We may get both the BRZ and its concept verison and its GT300 version too?

  41. richiem2282

    Its good to see PD still working on new cars, but honestly the only difference between this the Toyota and the Scion is the manufactures badge…

    1. Amac500

      Well he is right. Factually the Scion is the Toyota rebranded for the North American market. Toyota is Scions parent company, it’s how they are doing it, it’s a documented fact.

    2. richiem2282

      My comparaison is in regards to the addition in the GT series, not real life. In GT5 its a carbon copy no matter which Manufacturer we choose…

    3. richiem2282

      Your right, the more the merrier, but I’d much prefer to see some “New” cars, rather than a 1.03 car patch with a different badge. GT6 hopefully isn’t too far away, Looking forward to seeing the Cars that they will be adding to it

    1. Foxiol

      You bet. I want all GT 300 cars…i have the old ones in a GTR2 Mod but also i´d like to see in GT5…well 6 The Subaru BRZ, Subaru Legacy B4 GT300, Toyota Corolla Axio GT300 and the rest. (Murcielago, Ferrari 360/F430, Aston Martin DBR)

      Now that would be great…a complete Super GT overhaul.

  42. daus26

    Well I hope it is an indication for GT6 at TGS, more so than GT5 DLC, especially for the fact that a DLC with this car would be almost pointless. Free sure, but not paid.

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