Subaru has revealed a “sharper and more focused” version of latest-generation BRZ at an event in the US – and it revives a nameplate last seen in 2021 on the previous-generation model.
Images of the Subaru BRZ tS at the Subiefest California “enthusiast festival” have been shared online on various social media. At this stage Subaru has yet to officially detail anything about the car.
We’ve reached out to Subaru Australia in regard to the BRZ tS and will update this story once we hear back.
According to Reddit user PlatinumElement, the BRZ tS won’t be a limited-production model like it was in some markets and instead be a new trim level available in any production colour. In Australia, the previous-generation model was a permanent variant from its introduction in late 2017.
On the outside there isn’t much to distinguish the new BRZ tS from the regular models.
The only visible modifications include a tS badge on the front air intake and a red BRZ logo in the corner of the headlights.
PlatinumElement says it comes with Brembo brakes with golden calipers and Hitachi dampers.
The previous-generation model had a smattering of STI accessories, including a body kit and a lip spoiler, along with tweaks to the suspension, brakes, wheels, and shifter.
At this stage it’s unclear if Subaru has tweaked the BRZ’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine for the tS.
It’s also unclear if the BRZ tS will be available with a manual transmission only, or if there will be an automatic option. The previous-generation model was available with both locally.
The STI division has changed direction recently, confirming it won’t be developing a WRX STI – its traditional flagship.
“Subaru Corporation will fast-track their investment in future performance technologies, today confirming there will be no STI variant for the new generation Subaru WRX,” said Subaru Australia last March.
“This announcement paves the way forward for an exciting new era of performance exhilaration; with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) focusing on bringing forward new technologies for future Subaru models.”
Subaru is determined to keep it alive in some form Down Under, however.
Along with performance parts for the new WRX sedan and Sportswagon, the STI badge looks set to spread across the Subaru range with a set of more performance-oriented Tuned by STI models.
“We acknowledge the long love affair Australians have had with the WRX STI, and the STI brand,” Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read told media.
“The STI engineers and that team, that did all these great things, haven’t packed up and gone home. They’re still there,” Mr Read told CarExpert.
“Part of that change in direction with the STI brand is how it can play a role not just in one model variant, but across all the product. There is exciting options and development in a number of different areas that will feed its way into all the different models,” he said.
MORE: Everything Subaru BRZ
