How to determine WRX year, make, engine, trim, transmission, and color from Subaru Applied Model codes

Decoding Subaru Impreza WRX and STI Applied Model Codes


If you've ever heard anyone refer to their 86 as a "ZN6", "ZC6", or "ZN8",
then you've heard it.  If you've ever heard people talk about their Nissan 240SX
or Silvia as an S13, S14, or S15 then you've heard it. If you've ever heard them
refer to their Honda Civic as an "EF" or "EG hatch", then you've heard it. If 
you've heard BMW 3-series owners saying "E30" or "E92" then you've heard it.
They're referring to the first two letters of the applied model code.

The Applied Model (also called a Chassis Code) is a 7-digit code number that is
used by Subaru to identify a car’s specification, but unlike the Chassis Number 
or VIN, this does not uniquely identify an individual car. Almost all Subaru 
cars have the Applied Model stamped on a metal plate that can be found riveted 
to the top of the near-side strut tower, although some cars have the plate in 
one of the front door frames.

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/decoding-subaru-applied-model-chassis-codes/applied-code-location.jpg" alt="Location of the Subaru Applied Model plate">
  <figcaption>
    Location of the Subaru Applied Model plate
  </figcaption>
</figure>

The information encoded within the Applied Model number contains details of the
vehicle’s model, body type, engine type, gearbox, trim-level and period of 
production.

<figure>
  <img src="/kb/decoding-subaru-applied-model-chassis-codes/vin-plate.svg" alt="Applied Model Decoder">
  <figcaption>
    Applied Model Decoder
  </figcaption>
</figure>

Each letter in the applied model designates a code:



| Code | Description |
| :--- | :---------- |
| **series** | Model in the Subaru lineup, e.g. Impreza, Legacy, Forrester |
| **body style** | body style describes coupe, sedan, wagon, hatchback |
| **engine** | engine type |
| **model year** | the production year and month |
| **\# of doors** | number of doors |
| **trim** | specific equipment package and accessories |
| **transmission** | transmission type, e.g. manual or automatic and number of speeds |


## Series Code

The **Series** code is the first letter, it tells you which model in the Subaru lineup it belongs to:

| Code | Model |
| :--- | :---- |
| A | Leone/Loyale
| B | Legacy |
| C | SVX |
| G | Impreza, XV, Outback Sport |
| F | Domingo |
| K | Justy/Rex/Vivio/Sambar (Before 1998) |
| N | Trezia |
| R | Pleo, R1, R2, Stella |
| S | Forester |
| T | Sambar (After 1998) |
| V | WRX |
| W | Tribeca/Ascent |
| Y | Exiga |
| Z | BRZ |

Thus, the BRZ starts with 'Z'.


## Applied Model Code

The **Applied model** is the first-two letters combined, it is what people 
commonly refer to when trying to most accurately designate their vehicle:
 
| Code | Brand & Model |
| :--- | :------------ |
| ZN | Scion FR-S (Before 2017) 2013-2016 |
| ZN | Toyota 86, Toyota GT86 2013-2020 |
| ZC | Subaru BRZ 2013-2020 |

## Engine code

The 3rd-letter in the applied model code. For the 86 platform, there has only 
been one engine across all markets.

| Code | Description |
| :--- | :---------- |
| 6 | 2.0L DOHC RWD (Naturally Aspirated) (`FA20D`) |
| 8 | 2.4L DOHC RWD (Naturally Aspirated) (`FA24D`) |

## Model Year

The model year is the date of production, often times these start the year prior
to the marketed year. This is because production of a vehicle starts early, and
sales follow. 

| Code | Year/Month | Notes |
| :--- | :--------- | :---- |
| A | 2012/03 - 2013/09 | Zenki (2012-2015) |
| B | 2013/09 - 2014/06 | |
| C | 2014/07 2015/01 | |
| D | 2015/02 - 2016/07 | |
| E | 2016/07 - 2017/03 | Kouki (2016-2020): new facelift for both BRZ & 86, more horsepower, track modes: increased throttle response, disables traction control. Marketed as the "2017 BRZ" in the US. |
| F | 2017/10 - 2018/09 | |
| G | 2018/09 - 2019/03 | |
| H | 2019/04 - 2020 2020 | is the final model year of the ZN6/ZC6 platform |


## Destination Code

The 5th-letter is the destination code, which denotes the sales region the
vehicle is destined for.

| Code | Destination market |
| :--- | :----------------- |
| Y | USA or Canada |
| 2 | Japan |
| K | Europe | 

## Trim Code

The 6th-letter is the trim code, which tells you which marketing package,
equipment and accessories are included in the vehicle. This list is incomplete,
if you know any others, please let us know.

| Code | Trim name |
| :--- | :-------- |
| A | RA, RA Racing (Japan BRZ), FC, "86 Racing" (Japan 86) |
| B | Premium USA BRZ |
| C | Standard Grade (FR-S) |
| G | Japan 86 |
| E | Limited (USA BRZ), Sport Tech (Canada BRZ) | 
| P | 860 Edition |
| R | (Japan BRZ) or |
| S | (Japan BRZ) or GT (Japan 86) Grade |

## Transmission Code

The 7th-letter is the transmission code, tells you if its a manual or automatic.

| Code | Transmission type |
| :--- | :---------------- |
| 7 | Auto 6AT (`TX6A`) |
| 8 | Manual 6MT (`TL70`) |

## Examples

Putting this all together, we can formulate our own applied models from this
information:

| Applied model | Description |
| :------------ | :---------- |
| ZC6 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2013-2020 MY (generic 1st gen) |
| ZN6 | Toyota 86, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2013-2020 MY (generic 1st gen) |
| ZC8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.4l FA24D engine, 2022 MY (generic 2nd gen) |
| ZN8 | Toyota GR86, 2.4l FA24D engine, 2022 MY (generic 2nd gen) |
| ZC6AYE8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2012 MY for US market, Limited manual |
| ZC6EYE8 | Subaru BRZ, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2016 MY for US market, Limited, manual |
| ZN6E2A8 | Toyota 86, 2.0l FA20D engine, 2016 MY for Japan market, FC trim, manual |


Can you find your applied model code? Are we missing your trim code? Tell us on 
email or <a href="https://instagram.com/brz_typera">@brz_typeRA on Instagram</a>.



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Decoding Subaru Impreza WRX and STI Applied Model Codes

Decoding Toyota 86 / GR86 / GT86 Subaru BRZ Applied Model Codes