To kick off the 2016 model year, Subaru has introduced two new limited-edition models called WRX STI Series.HyperBlue and BRZ Series.HyperBlue, respectively. Subaru’s latest limited-edition package is billed as a follow-up to last year’s BRZ Series.Blue.
Visually, the WRX STI gets – you guessed it – an eye-catching model-specific light blue paint job, black emblems on both ends, black 18-inch BBS alloy wheels wrapped by Dunlop tires and black mirror caps. The BRZ gets the same treatment but it rides on smaller 17-inch alloys.
Inside, the limited-edition WRX boasts blue contrast stitching on the Alcantara-upholstered bucket seats, the leather shift boot, the steering wheel and even the floor mats. Subaru has also added a few features to the list of standard equipment including keyless entry and start, welcome lighting and pin code access.
The BRZ’s cockpit turns the blue dial up to 11 with Hyper Blue seat bolsters and head rests, blue kneepads on the center console and blue trim on the door panels. Like the WRX STI, the BRZ comes with a healthy dose of blue contrast stitching.
Those who are hoping to find a blue engine under the hood will be disappointed because Subaru has not made any mechanical modifications to the Series.HyperBlue cars. The BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that makes 200 horsepower and 151 foot-pounds of torque, while the WRX STI packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that’s rated at 305 ponies at 6,000 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of twist at 4,000 rpm.
Both cars come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but the BRZ can be ordered with a six-speed automatic unit at an extra cost. The fastest model of the two is the WRX STI, which can hit 60 mph from a dead stop in approximately five seconds.
Both limited-edition Subarus are scheduled to go on sale nationwide next fall. Pricing information hasn’t been announced yet, but they’ll likely sell out quickly because production will be limited to 700 examples of the WRX STI and 500 units of the BRZ.
