Subaru details BRZ tS, stops short of full-on STI

Mon, 19 Aug 2013

Fans of the sweet-handling Subaru BRZ awaiting some performance enhancements got their hopes up earlier this month when parent Fuji Heavy Industries dropped some teasers hinting at an apparent STI version, but as was subsequently suspected, the model in question – now revealed in full – stops short of being a full-on STI model.

What we're looking at here is the new Subaru BRZ tS, which incorporates a series of enhancements but leaves the engine alone. Available exclusively in the Japanese Domestic Market, the BRZ tS package includes a thicker driveshaft, a front lip spoiler, Brembo ventilated brake discs packed inside 18-inch wheels and a smattering of STI logos inside and out. STI has also upgraded the suspension components, retuned the stability control and exhaust note and enhanced the interior with some carbon and Alcantara touches. An additional GT package includes further upgrades, most noticeably the giant rear wing (made of carbon fiber) shown above, black-painted alloys and Recaro bucket seats.

Only 500 examples of the BRZ tS will be offered in Japan, with no more than 250 of those outfitted with the supplementary GT package. Here's hoping Subaru gives us a taste on this side of the Pacific as well – or better yet, maybe they'll quit joking around and give us the full-on STI already.

STI Releases "SUBARU BRZ tS" in Japan

Tokyo, August 19, 2013 – Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)*1 today announced the release of the "SUBARU BRZ tS" which goes on sale on August 19 through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

The inherent handling performance of the Subaru BRZ has been further enhanced by using expertise developed in motorsports while achieving the "strength and nimbleness" driving committed by STI. The "SUBARU BRZ tS" offers a driver "oneness with vehicle" and "agile handling pleasure".

Exclusive tuning such as the adoption of a large-diameter driveshaft and STI's unique flexible parts embodies superior handling performance. Driving performance has also been enhanced by the adoption of "brembo" ventilated disc brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels and a STI designed front under spoiler. The model comes with special features including the "STI" / "tS" ornaments and exclusively-made fender garnish on the exterior as well as a speedometer with an STI logo inside, which evoke driving excitement and pleasure of ownership.

In addition, "GT PACKAGE" model which is suitable for motorsports enthusiasts is released. The model features a STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler, black colored "BBS" designed 18-inch aluminum wheels and "Recaro" designed front bucket seat.

*1: Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI), a wholly owned subsidiary of FHI, is based in Mitaka city in Tokyo.
The company manages motorsport activities of Subaru. The company's president is Hiroyuki Karamatsu.

SUBARU BRZ tS GT PACKAGE

-Mechanism-
225/40ZR18 (92Y) tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport)
STI designed 18-inch x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (silver)
brembo front 17-inch opposed 4-pot ventilated disc brake with "STI" logo
brembo rear 17-inch opposed 2-pot ventilated disc brake with "STI" logo
STI designed rear suspension link with pillow ball bush (trailing link front, lateral link front inside & rear inside)
STI tuned strut and STI coil springs for front suspension
STI tuned damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension
STI designed flexible tower bar, front
STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front

STI designed large-diameter driveshaft
Exclusively-tuned VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Exclusively-tuned filter for Sound Creator®*2

-Exterior-
STI designed front under spoiler
STI designed front fender garnish with "STI" logo
Exclusively-made "STI" ornament (front & rear), "tS" ornament (rear)

-Interior-
Exclusively-made front seat with "STI" logo and red stitch
[Alcantara®*3 (gray punching) / leather (gray), "STI" logo, gray stitch, front seat heater, SRS side airbag]
Exclusively-made leather lapped steering wheel (with "STI" ornament and red stitch)
STI designed leather shift knob (manual transmission) / select lever (automatic transmission) with "STI" logo
Exclusively-made speedometer with "STI" logo
Exclusively-made speedometer visor [Alcantara® (black), black stitch]
Carbon tone instrument panel
STI designed push engine switch with "STI" logo (red)
Exclusively-made aluminum side sill plate with "tS" logo
STI designed leather access key cover (red)

-Equipments for GT PACKAGE-
STI designed 18-inch x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (black)
STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable)
Recaro designed front bucket seat
[Alcantara® (gray punching) / leather (gray), "STI" logo, gray stitch, SRS side airbag]

*2: Sound Creator® is the registered trademark of MAHLE Filter Systems Japan Corporation.
*3: Alcantara® is the registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A.

Maximum 500 units (must be pre-ordered by March 9, 2014)
[Including maximum 250 units of GT PACKAGE]

By Noah Joseph