Freshly tuned Subaru BRZ tS to carry STI badging, but no extra power
The limited edition Subaru BRZ won’t be the STI version fans were hoping for, and will only see the US market
Alongside a hot new limited edition Impreza exclusively for the US market – the new 306bhp WRX STI Type RA – Subaru has pulled the sheets from a freshly tuned BRZ coupe, which will also be limited to 500 units and go on sale in the United States early in 2018.
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It’s not the full-fat Subaru BRZ STI many fans have been hoping for. Instead of bringing more power to the mix, the BRZ tS – tS standing for ‘Tuned by STI – focuses on improving performance through suspension and aerodynamic tweaks. As such, the same 197bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine sits under the bonnet.
Subaru says that the BRZ tS delivers a more controlled and stable driving experience thanks to its suspension revisions. At the front and rear, new dampers and coil springs are introduced, while new flexible V-struts are found in the engine compartment in a bid to introduce more balance. The chassis has been tweaked too with new draw stiffeners, in a bid to improve steering response.
Brembo brakes are housed behind a new set of 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber.
In terms of exterior styling and aerodynamic revisions, it’s hard to miss the new large rear wing. It’s constructed from carbon-fibre and is manually adjustable. New aerodynamic appendages appear at the front and sides of the car too. New STI branded fog lights appear, alongside BRZ tS badging and a slightly different rear bumper.
In the cabin, Subaru has kitted out the BRZ tS with leather and Alcantara upholstery with new red contrast stitching. A new visor appears over the instrument cluster, and red seatbelts round off the changes. Prices for the US only BRZ tS will be revealed later this year.
Are you disappointed that this BRZ isn’t a full STi model? Tell us in the comments section...
