The Subaru BRZ is one of the most beloved sports cars on the market, offering a pure and engaging driving experience at an affordable price. But for some, the BRZ is not enough. They want more performance, more handling, more excitement. They want the Subaru BRZ tS.
The tS stands for "tuned by STI," Subaru's legendary performance division that is responsible for some of the most iconic rally and racing cars in history. The tS is not a full-blown STI model but rather a special edition that features a number of enhancements and upgrades to make the BRZ even more fun on the track.
The Subaru BRZ tS is the second iteration of this model, following the limited-run 2018 version that sold out quickly. This time, however, Subaru is not capping the production of the tS, making it a regular trim level that will be available alongside the Premium and Limited variants.
So what makes the Subaru BRZ tS so special? Let's take a look at what this track-focused coupe has to offer.
More Grip, More Stopping Power, More Control
The Subaru BRZ tS does not get any extra power from its 2.4-liter flat-four engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That may disappoint some who were hoping for a turbocharged or supercharged version of the BRZ, but Subaru believes that adding more power would compromise the balance and agility of the car.
Instead, the tS focuses on improving the chassis, suspension, brakes, and tires of the BRZ to enhance its handling and responsiveness. The tS features exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels in dark gray metallic, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that provide more grip and feedback than the standard rubber. The wheels also reveal the gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, which have four pistons in the front and two in the rear. The larger rotors and upgraded pads improve the braking performance and durability of the tS, especially under repeated hard stops.
The suspension of the tS is also upgraded with new Hitachi dampers that STI tunes to provide more stability and control. The dampers are stiffer than the ones on the regular BRZ but not too harsh for everyday driving. The tS also has stiffer coil springs and a thicker rear stabilizer bar to reduce body roll and improve cornering. Additionally, the tS has a flexible V-shaped bar under the hood and a flexible draw stiffener in the rear to increase the rigidity of the chassis and enhance steering response.
Subtle but Sporty Styling
The exterior of the Subaru BRZ tS sports car is not radically different from the regular BRZ, but it does have some subtle touches that set it apart. The side mirror caps and the shark fin antenna are both finished in gloss black, giving the car a sleeker look. The front bumper has a cherry-red accent line that matches the STI badges on the grille and trunk lid. The rear spoiler is also unique to the tS, featuring an adjustable angle that can be fine-tuned for aerodynamics or aesthetics.
The interior of the tS is also similar to the regular BRZ, but with some sporty details that enhance its appeal. The seats are upholstered in black leather and Alcantara with red contrast stitching and tS logos on the headrests. The leather-wrapped steering wheel also has red stitching and an STI logo at the bottom. The instrument cluster has a red tachometer with a STI logo as well. The center console has a plaque showing each tS model's chassis number.
The Subaru BRZ tS sports car comes with all the features and technology of the Limited trim level, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital gauge cluster with a 7-inch display, LED headlights and taillights, keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist.
One notable addition to the tS is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which is now standard on all manual transmission-equipped BRZ models for 2024. EyeSight uses two cameras mounted on the windshield to monitor traffic conditions and provide adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and sway warning. EyeSight can also recognize and display speed limit signs on the instrument cluster.
Pricing and Availability
The Subaru BRZ tS will go on sale in early 2024 as part of the second model year of the new-generation BRZ. Subaru has not announced the pricing of the tS yet, but we expect it to be slightly higher than the Limited trim level, which starts at $30,000. The tS will be available in three colors: Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl.
The Subaru BRZ tS is a budget sports car that appeals to hardcore enthusiasts who want to take their BRZ to the next level. It offers more grip, stopping power, control, and style than the regular BRZ without sacrificing its balance and agility. It is the ultimate track toy for the budget-minded enthusiast who wants to have fun on the road or on the track. If you are looking for a pure and engaging sports car that won't break the bank, the new Subaru BRZ tS is the one for you.
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