Subaru America reveals tS variant of BRZ

FOLLOWING precedent, Subaru has released an enhanced version of its stylish BRZ sports coupe that offers more than a dress-up package. The BRZ tS is initially for US consumption with no word on local availability.

However, its recent appearance in the US was billed as a “global debut” suggesting the variant will be offered in other markets.

But perhaps the one big frustration for BRZ enthusiasts is that the tS isn’t turbocharged as the name may suggest. It retains the reasonably strong naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer four pot engine rated here at 174kW and 250Nm available in six-speed manual and six-speed auto and (of course) drives the rear wheels only.

A 10^th Anniversary BRZ model was sold here earlier this year with interior tweaks and a dedicated blue duco.

The supplementary 2024 “performance” tS model made its debut at Subiefest in California on July 23 and brings with it a swag of performance goodies with a focus on the suspension and brakes and becomes the first manual transmission Subaru with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Subaru of America bills the performance-focused model as a “new trim level” enhanced with STI-tuned suspension and a Brembo brake package.

The tS nomenclature appeared on the previous generation BRZ with a similar flavour featuring dynamic, styling and safety upgrades over lesser variants.

Drilling down into BRZ tS spec’ we find it runs STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers to reduce unsprung weight and optimise suspension performance. The Hitachi units contribute to a low centre of gravity and precision handling resulting in greater flexibility and better control and stability.

On stopping duty and addressing an issue for track driven, standard spec’ BRZs, is a high-performance Brembo braking package that includes gold-painted four-piston front callipers and two-piston rear callipers in the same colour. The callipers run larger pads and rotors to enhance stopping power and improve fade resistance and pedal feel.

Like its lesser stablemates the BRZ tS rolls on (dark grey) 18-inch wheels shod with sticky 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Eyesight Driver Assist Technology now standard on the manual and auto variants includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Adding to the model’s visual statement are subtle styling tweaks like tS badging in the front grille and on the rear deck lid. Exterior foldable mirrors and the roof-mounted shark fin antenna come in a Crystal Black Silica finish.

The tS retains BRZ’s standard exterior colour palette with black upholstery inside featuring tS-only contrasting blue stitching on the front seat bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot and parking brake boot.

The front seats have a blue leather accent down the middle while the wheel integrates multiple functions such as control switches for audio, cruise control and Bluetooth. Interestingly, the iconic STI logo is displayed on the red starter button and customisable 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster.

Other performance features on the standard BRZ that work in concert with tS spec are a Torsen limited-slip differential and vehicle stability control with Track Mode.

The tS is based on Subaru’s high spec’ BRZ S model with the accoutrements that brings. Its unveiling at Subiefest was attended by thousands of Subaru enthusiasts.

GoAuto will provide any updates as to local BRZ tS availability and other details as they come to hand, and we’ll stay across any similar developments from Toyota with its GR86.