The Subaru BRZ tS: Exploring the Exciting Upgrades from STI

When the new Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ were presented, there were many who began to jump for joy to see the perfect evolution of their predecessors arrive. However, that joy soon turned into sadness upon learning that both Japanese companies were going to bring dropper units to Spain. It was something after initially announcing that these new GR86s and BRZs weren't coming to Europe. But its price has finally been much more risque than that offered by its predecessors, as well as much higher than what they have in markets such as Japan or the United States.

It was precisely in the latter that a version of the Subaru BRZ, highly anticipated by its enthusiasts, was presented. Since this second generation was announced, the appearance of a variant with even more efficient dynamics was expected, which has finally materialized in this sensational Subaru BRZ tS that will soon be launched on the market on the other side of the ocean.

This Subaru BRZ tS will arrive in the United States

To develop this new version, the Japanese company has taken the Limited trim level as a starting point. But on the outside, we find the relevant 'tS' emblems, the black housings for the rear-view mirrors, the BRZ emblems for the red headlights... And also some lightweight 18-inch forged wheels that are finished in glossy black and equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires in size 215/40 R18.

Inside this new version that will be offered in the United States as another finish and not as a limited edition, as was the case with its predecessor, some changes have also been made. Among them, we find the microfiber upholstery for its sporty seats, adorned with blue stitching. Other details that differentiate it from the rest of the Subaru BRZ are its start button and instrument panel, adorned by STI.

Upgraded suspensions and brakes

Precisely the Subaru Tecnica International department is the one who has been in charge of fine-tuning the chassis of this version of the Subaru BRZ, which comes with interesting improvements in the suspensions to offer an even more sporty and effective dynamic behavior. Hence, the suspensions now have shock absorbers signed by Hitachi, a significant change in this sports car, especially since its soul mate, the Toyota GR86, relies on the specialist Sachs for the shock absorbers of its Performance Pack versions.

Another detail that sets these sensational Subaru BRZ tS apart is their brake equipment. Signed by the specialist Brembo, these have four ventilated discs, as well as four-piston calipers on the front axle and two-piston on the rear axle, which are finished in gold. About the diameter of the discs, there is not a word, but the normal ones are satisfied with rotors of 294 mm in front and 290 mm in the rear.

All Subaru BRZs are now equipped with the EyeSight system

As has been known for some time, the Subaru BRZ, like the Toyota GR86, would be equipped with a new EyeSight driving aid system, exclusive to date for units accompanied by an automatic transmission. Although this compendium of aids will now be available for manuals, the transmission with which this exciting tS version has been presented.

Where it seems that there will be no change will be in the mechanics so its four-cylinder and atmospheric 2.4 Boxer will remain as is. Therefore we are talking about a block capable of providing 234 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque, sent exclusively to its two rear wheels to allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 226 km/h. For this, it is also helped by a weight content of 1,364 kilos.

It will be the most expensive version of the BRZ in the US.

It will not be until the first quarter of 2024 when these Subaru BRZ tS arrive at dealers of the Japanese brand in the United States, so its price has not yet been revealed. However, being born from the Limited version will cause its price to be positioned above the $31,095 (28,105 euros) that these cost on the other side of the ocean. And for you to take into account, the access version called Premium, there costs 28,595 dollars (25,850 euros), much less than the almost 40,000 euros that Subaru has asked for the 50 units that it has brought to Spain.