STI releases limited edition Subaru BRZ tS

STI releases limited edition Subaru BRZ tS

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The high-performance arm of Fuji Heavy Industries, Subaru Tecnica International (STI), has released its take of the Subaru BRZ, which goes on sale in Japan today. Enhanced by motorsports know-how accumulated through years of rallying, the Subaru BRZ tS will also be sold in limited numbers, ensuring exclusivity.

Subaru’s brief press release announcing the car made no mention of engine upgrades or incorporation of the brand’s famous Symmetrical AWD system, and it is safe to say neither are forthcoming. Expect better sound, however, courtesy of an exclusively-tuned Sound Creator. Power still flows only to the rear, but now with an STI-designed large-diameter driveshaft.

The bulk of STI’s enhancements are applied to the chassis for improved handling. Stopping power is boosted by 17″ discs all-round clamped by four-pot calipers in front and two pots at the rear. The front suspension is braced with a flexible tower bar and stiffener, with retuned struts and springs thrown in. The rear features a redesigned link with pillow ball bush complete with retuned dampers and coils. The electronic Vehicle Dynamics Control system is also re-calibrated.

Cosmetic enhancements come in the form of front under spoiler, front fender garnish, 18″ x 7.5J aluminium wheels (shod in 225/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports) and the usual distribution of STI badges. Inside, the BRZ tS gets its own exclusive STI seats, steering, gear lever, instrument panel, carbon dash trim, and aluminium sill plates.

Customers with a bit more money can splurge on the optional GT Package which adds a two-angle adjustable carbon rear spoiler, black BBS rims, and Recaro front seats. Subaru plans to sell no more than 500 units of the Japan-only BRZ tS in total, and it will close order books by 9 March 2014. For further exclusivity, the company also plans to entertain no more than 250 requests for the GT Package.

KON

Pictures: Official Subaru release.

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