The second-generation BRZ has received the sportiest version thus far in the form of the tS, which is due to arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2024. Rather than a full-on STI, the tS flaunts STI-tuned Hitachi dampers fore and aft.
Other highlights include Brembo-supplied brake calipers painted in a bronze-ish gold, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology in combination with a manual transmission, dark gray 18-inch alloys, Pilot Sport 4 rubber, tS badging, and tS detailing for the cabin, which includes blue stitching. The seat bolsters, parking brake boot, shifter boot, and leather-wrapped steering wheel feature blue stitching, regardless of the exterior paint color.
Going on sale for the 2024 model year later in 2023, the BRZ tS will be offered in all colors of the Limited and Premium trim levels. Easily identifiable from the Crystal Black Silica gloss-black mirror caps and shark fin-like antenna, this version packs four- and two-piston brake calipers in combination with larger brake pads and rotors.
Slotted above the Premium grade, the tS doesn't feature a manually-adjustable rear wing as its predecessor did. Sporty front seats come standard, along with blue leather accents down the middle. The starter button proudly reads STI, whereas the digital instrument cluster displays the Subaru Tecnica International logo and tS-specific red accents.
Heated power mirrors, a two-channel amplifier, Starlink Safety and Security, Steering Responsive Headlights with BRZ inserts in red, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Sport Detection are standard as well. Those in the market for the tS should also look forward to a Torsen-type LSD out back, dual-zone auto climate control, welcome lights, and Incline Start Assist.
Photo: Subaru
When it comes to the oily bits, you'll probably be disappointed to find out that Subaru didn't improve on the naturally-aspirated boxer's existing output figures. More specifically, the tS will develop the same 228 ponies at 7,000 revolutions per minute and 184 pound-feet (250 Nm) at 3,700 revolutions per minute as the Premium and Limited grades.
The attached release doesn't mention anything about the optional six-speed automatic. Given the sportier character of the tS, a torque-converter auto simply doesn't make sense. The Japanese automaker hasn't said anything in regard to curb weight. For future reference, the BRZ Premium 6MT is rated at 2,815 pounds (1,277 kilograms).
Half a second quicker to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) than the automatic, the manual transmission also happens to be lighter. More specifically, opting for the 6AT sees the BRZ Premium's curb weight grow to 2,864 pounds (1,299 kilograms). The BRZ Limited is listed at 2,835 and 2,881 pounds (1,286 and 1,309 kilos).
The final piece of the puzzle is pricing. To be confirmed later in 2023, the BRZ tS should cost a few bucks more than the BRZ Limited. The 2023 model year's best-equipped trim level starts at $31,095 (sans destination freight charge), whereas the BRZ Premium can be yours from $28,595.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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