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Bad news, rally fans: Subaru says a BRZ STI is a no-go

Stephen Edelstein
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The Subaru BRZ almost immediately won over enthusiasts with its back-to-basics rear-wheel drive chassis and Miata-like handling, but with just 200 horsepower, it also left them wanting more.

However, they apparently won’t get more. Australia’s Motoring reports that the long-rumored BRZ STI performance model is a no-go.

Subaru Australia managing director told the website that Subaru has no plans to offer a BRZ STI – or any other STI models besides the recently-launched 2015 WRX STI – although the company’s Down Under office is lobbying for one.

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Senior said Subaru’s small size means it has limited resources, and there just aren’t any to put toward a BRZ STI. This was also Subaru’s explanation for axing the WRX and STI wagons.

Subaru’s Australian arm is reportedly working on some special-edition BRZ models instead.

Keen to know if Subaru of America would follow Australia’s special-edition BRZ suit, we asked Dominick Infante, National Manager of Product Communications for Subaru of America. “I have no idea what plans Australia had made. So I cannot comment,” Infante told Digital Trends. “And we can’t comment on future product anyway.”

Just to refresh your memory, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer-four that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, with six-speed manual and automatic transmission options.

Subaru and partner Toyota have said the BRZ and its Scion FR-S twin were meant to emphasize handling, not outright speed, which is admittedly refreshing in today’s world of bulked-up, high-tech cars.

Still, the BRZ seems like perfect fodder for an aftermarket turbocharger upgrade, and perhaps that is the route enthusiasts will have to go if they want more power.

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Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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