Chris Cespedes 2017 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ and its cousins, the Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86, were limitless cars to modify or solidify in a driver's heart. The collaboration between Subaru and Toyota produced this fun, driver-oriented, lightweight sports car. Where it lacked power, it made up for with the many configurations, styles, and a plentiful aftermarket to really make the imagination come to life.
Lower angle front quarter shot of Chris Cespedes' 2017 Subaru BRZ
Subaru, Toyota, and Toyota but with Glasses
In the year the world was supposed to end according to the Mayan Calendar, 2012, Subaru and Toyota were hands deep in a project that would establish itself as an impressive yet accessible car for enthusiasts across the nation. The Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and the Scion FR-S were a collaborative effort aimed at creating a lightweight, driver-focused, fun car to own. Mechanically, the cars remained the same across the different makes and models. However, aesthetically and in terms of powertrain, they had their differences. Overall, the cars came with their respective brand's four-cylinder engine and a rear-wheel-drive setup, typically paired with a 6-speed manual, though automatic transmission options were available.
The BRZ made a name for itself when compared to its sister Subaru models, like the WRX or Outback. Subaru typically opted for all-wheel-drive drivetrains and turbocharged motors. However, this car was a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. This setup had its benefits, offering a more predictable throttle response and aligning well with the car's overall design goals. It also established itself aesthetically, as this coupe truly looks like a sports car. Its aggressively styled headlights, taillights, and low roofline even made the most indifferent to cars turn their heads.
This car is powered by a 2.0L, four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. It’s naturally aspirated. The manual configuration puts out around 205 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 156 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 RPM.
Front passenger quarter angle of Nate Bowmans 2013 Scion FR-S (Photographer credit unknown)
#DoItForNate
Chris Cespedes bought this car new in 2017. He enjoyed watching videos on YouTube of people enjoying these cars and modifying them, as he had always wanted to do. Once he built up the money and had the opportunity, Cespedes bought his own BRZ with factory blue paint. Eventually, owning this car led Cespedes to a good friend, Nate Bowman, who also owned his own BRZ. That friendship flourished, allowing both of them to share creative input about one another's cars and offer help with modifications when needed.
This car and its modifications are best told by Cespedes himself: 'We would talk or text on the phone countless nights, but one day Nate ended up selling his car and moving on to a different build. He ended up passing a few years ago, and I remember he would always nag me about getting the same wing as him. In his honor, I tracked down the person who bought his car and ended up buying his original wing so I could finally get the wing he always told me to get. And I added #doitfornate just for him on it.'
Upper wide angle shot of Chris Cespedes' 2017 Subaru BRZ engine bay.
BOXER
The Subaru Boxer engine is a four-cylinder engine with two sets of horizontally opposed combustion chambers that lay flat. This setup allows for a lower center of gravity, as well as more balanced and smoother performance.
This car is powered by an FA20, 2.0L, four-cylinder Subaru Boxer engine. It’s a naturally aspirated, dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) setup with 16 valves. The manual configuration puts out around 205 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 156 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 RPM. It can pull 0-60 mph in an impressive 6.2 seconds, with a governed top speed of 140 mph. At the moment, it doesn't have any modifications, though it's only a matter of time before this versatile chassis sees some competitive power.
Lower wide angle shot of Chris Cespedes' 2017 Subaru BRZ driver side front wheel from the driver door.
Bagged and Bad
This blue Subaru has been wrapped in an intimidating Vengeance Red by KPMF. The windows have been tinted to 20% all around, adding to its aggressive exterior. As stated by the front windshield banner, this sweet ride sports a Lowglow underglow kit with Bluetooth capabilities. The extreme camber is applied to ES1-T 18x9.5 -45mm wheels in the front and 18x11.5 -50mm wheels in the rear, both finished in brushed silver. These wheels sit flush to the reverse-mounted Rallybacker body kit using a modified air-ride suspension setup. The Airlift 3P system pairs with Bag Riders Super Low Struts for amazing Bluetooth phone-controlled configuration. When aired down, this car sits all the way down, where the fully custom-fabricated 3-inch exhaust from Street Fab Performance shifts in its hangers.
Despite having such a custom exterior, the interior has seen just as much attention and effort. The Label aftermarket steering wheel pairs with an aftermarket short hub adapter. There's a "We Are Likewise" branded shift knob. The rear seats have been deleted and replaced with a custom-made subwoofer box, housing two 10-inch Skar Audio subs, powered by a Hypnotic 1600W amp. All BRZ badges and labeling have been removed from the car, except for the red BRZ stitching on the driver and passenger seats.
Up close interior shot of Chris Cespedes' 2017 Subaru BRZ center dashboard decorations from the driver seat.
3M Atomic Teal
This car was built with lots of heart and passion. Being closely tied to a lost friend, it’s a car of emotion and holds a connection that many misunderstand. This car has had some exciting journeys as well. Cespedes had the opportunity to take his car to the famous Slammedenuff Gatlinburg show for a weekend, where he spent cherished time with his friends and showcased the blood, sweat, and tears he put into his BRZ. One of Cespedes' plans is to finish the car in Bowman's color of choice, 3M Atomic Teal. Aside from that, he's entertaining the idea of a motor swap but has not yet decided on a preferred model or style.
