SUBARU will change its stripes when it adds its new sports car, the rear-wheel drive BRZ, to its otherwise all-wheel drive line-up.
Symmetrical all-wheel drive has been the company's mantra since 1977.
The company's managing director, Nick Senior, said the decision to make the exception with the BRZ was not taken lightly.
"We have been overwhelmed by the response to the BRZ since its unveiling in Tokyo," Mr Senior said.
"It's a drivers car, so is in keeping with our fun-to-drive philosophy."
Subaru says the first BRZ has already been sold in Adelaide, despite no pricing, specifications or release date being announced.
The BRZ is a joint venture between Subaru and Toyota with the Toyota version, called simply the 86, expected here by mid-year.
Both models use Subaru's latest FB boxer engine fitted with Toyota fuel injection and reputed to produce 147kW at 7000rpm and 205Nm of torque at 6000rpm.
The engine sits lower and further rearward than in other Subarus to give it a low centre of gravity and even weight distribution.
Meanwhile, Subaru has added leather trim and a reversing camera to its entry level Liberty, the 2.5i, but with no change to the price of $32,990.
The 2.5i also gets an eight-way power driver's seat, electric lumbar support, an 4.3-inch information screen a full-sized alloy spare wheel and a USB connection.
Satellite navigation and a reversing camera are now standard.
