Subaru’s in-house racing division, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has introduced a limited-edition version of the BRZ. Dubbed BRZ tS, the coupe was designed exclusively for the Japanese market.
The bulk of the modifications are invisible to the naked eye, but that doesn’t mean they’re not significant. The tS gains a thoroughly revised suspension setup on both axles that makes the ride a little stiffer but more responsive, ventilated brake discs gripped by Brembo calipers, a V-shaped brace in the engine bay and a bigger half shafts designed by STI. Subaru has also re-programmed the traction-control system to make it less intrusive.
Careful observers can tell the tS apart from a regular BRZ because it gets a model-specific spoiler up front and new bumpers with cherry red accents on both ends. Black 18-inch alloys wrapped by Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires add a finishing touch to the look.
Buyers can choose between four colors called Sunrise Yellow, WR Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl, and Crystal Black Silica, respectively. Sunrise yellow is available on a first-come, first-served basis and Subaru will delete the color from the catalog once it has built 100 cars.
The updates continue inside the cabin with a custom STI-branded instrument cluster, leather upholstery on the steering wheel and shift knob, and carbon fiber-look trim on the dashboard. The front passengers sit on Recaro bucket seats upholstered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, and all cars ship with a numbered metal plaque.
STI has not made any engine modifications to the BRZ, meaning the tS is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four mill that makes 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 foot-pounds of torque between 6,400 and 6,600 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic unit.
On sale now in Japan, the Subaru BRZ tS is limited to just 300 examples. At the time of writing Subaru is not planning on offering a similar package in the United States, but the automaker has previously announced that more STI-tuned cars will be launched in the coming years so all hope is not lost.