Subaru BRZ tS is a mild performance upgrade that may or may not be coming to Malaysia.
Over the weekend, the Subaru BRZ tS made its global debut at Subiefest California. This is a mild performance enhanced version of the standard BRZ. Some of these performance upgrades are similar (but not the same) as what the Performance Pack brings to the Toyota 86. Pricing will be revealed in a few months and the vehicle is expected to go on sale by the end of the year in the USA. No word about availability in other markets.
Two major highlights of the Subaru BRZ tS are its STI-tuned suspension and its Brembo braking system.
Starting with the suspension, the BRZ tS comes with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers that lower weight and give the vehicle an ultra-low centre of gravity and precise handling for greater flexibility and stability.
As for the brakes, you get gold-painted Brembo brakes with 4-piston calipers up front and 2-piston rear calipers at the rear.
Pads and rotors are larger than before (up 1.2″ in front and 1″ at the rear) for better stopping power, fade resistance and pedal feel. Another performance upgrade comes in the form of 18″ wheels that are wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
Visually, the aforementioned dark grey 18″ wheels and gold brake calipers are what make the BRZ tS stand out. Additionally, there are “BRZ tS” badges on the grille and trunklid.
Inside, you’ll find blue accents on the upholstery as well as blue stitching. Another mild change is the STI logos on the start button and gauge cluster.
There are no changes to the engine and gearbox. It’s still a 2.4L naturally-aspirated boxer 4-cylinder with 228hp with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission.
That being said, the manual transmission is the ONLY gearbox option for the BRZ tS and Subaru are equipping it with EyeSight anyway, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Other standard equipment is based on the Limited grade in the USA, which includes:
- foldable mirrors and roof-mounted shark fin antenna in Crystal Black Silica
- performance-design front seats with height-adjustable head restraints
- leather-wrapped steering wheel
- nubuck-like material on the instrument panel visor and door trim
- TORSEN LSD
- Keyless Access with Push-button Start
- LED headlights
- VSC with Track Mode
- Dual-Zone auto AC
- Incline Start Assist
- 2-channel amplified
- Blind Spot Detection
- Steering Responsive Headlights
