SUBARU DEBUTS BRZ tS MODEL WITH A FOCUS ON TRACK AGILITY
- New BRZ tS model with chassis tuning by STI
- New convenience upgrades
- Pure sports car performance with 205 hp, light weight, and ultra low center of gravity
- Choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission
- Optional Performance Package
Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. is introducing a limited-production BRZ tS (tuned by STI) for 2018 that gives this sports car its most agile handling capability ever. This special performance variant, which will be limited to 500 units, will be available at Subaru dealers in the first quarter of 2018.
The Subaru BRZ delivers a purist sports car driving experience while also offering comfort and practicality for everyday driving. Subaru last year gave the BRZ sports car a comprehensive performance, design and equipment upgrade, and the 2018 BRZ tS moves the needle further for track handling performance. This limited-production model also features exclusive aerodynamic design enhancements and interior appointments.
Also new for 2018, the BRZ Limited and new tS models feature new SUBARU STARLINK™ Multimedia Navigation system with Android® Auto and Apple® CarPlay. The BRZ Premium trim gains standard heated exterior mirrors, and all models feature new one-touch directional signals for more convenient lane changing.
tS Could Stand for “Track Star” (but it Stands for Tuned by STI)
The 2018 BRZ tS builds on the comprehensive chassis upgrade that the BRZ received for 2017, which included exclusive coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar, various chassis reinforcements and higher stability control system thresholds. Incline Start Assist helps prevent roll-back on an incline as the driver begins to accelerate from a stop.
The BRZ tS takes full advantage of the sports car’s light weight, ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, adding greater flexibility and better control and stability. The upgrade adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. The BRZ tS is also equipped with this model’s first 18-inch wheels. The lightweight STI wheels are mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. A high-performance braking system, using Brembo® rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers, enhances stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. (This braking system is also used for the Performance Package available for the BRZ Limited.)
The BRZ tS exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler, which is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce for track driving. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.
Externally, the BRZ tS is also distinguished by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover, and the rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge. The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and SUBARU badging all have a black finish. Also, the fog lights have been deleted.
The BRZ tS also features special cabin appointments, including black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching. The front seats feature red leather bolsters, and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. Red accents appear throughout the interior, including the steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads and the shifter and parking brake boots.
The visor over the gauge cluster and interior door trim are unique to the tS, and the center console has been updated to a cast-black finish. The BRZ tS also comes standard with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rearview mirror. The BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. (Full specifications and pricing will be announced later this year.)
Design Blends Classic and Modern Themes
The Subaru BRZ displays classic GT coupe proportions with a long, low hoodline and a roofline that sweeps rearward over the rear quarters. The shape is practical, yielding 2+2 seating. The rear seats can accommodate front-facing child seats, and the rear seatback lowers to expand the space offered in the 6.9 cubic-foot trunk. With the seatback down, the cargo area can hold two standard golf bags. Drivers who enjoy slalom or track events can also fold the rear seatback and have room for four wheels, a helmet and basic supplies behind the front seats.
In front, signature “kono-ji” style LED headlights, which incorporate Daytime Running Lights (DRL), are augmented by available LED fog lights for enhanced visibility and a distinctive nighttime appearance. All BRZ models feature an aluminum rear spoiler in matching body color on the sides and black finish on the horizontal surface. The pedestal design improves downforce, enhancing stability and control. As with the headlights, the rear combination lights use LEDs for better visibility and energy efficiency. On both the Premium and Limited trims, the 10-spoke, 17-in aluminum alloy wheel design features a high-contrast black and machined finish.
Pure Sports Car Performance Details
The Subaru BRZ FA-Series engine uses “square” architecture, meaning that its bore and stroke dimensions are identical, in this case 3.38 inches (86mm). This geometry gives the BRZ engine a quick-revving nature, with a 7,400 rpm redline. The engine delivers 205 hp at 7,000 rpm, while the 156 lb-ft of torque peak arrives at 6,400 rpm. (Output remains 200 hp and 151 lb-ft with automatic transmission).
Yet, the BRZ engine is not as “peaky” as those numbers would suggest. The Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) is instrumental in helping the engine produce a broad torque curve to help make the BRZ feel responsive in daily driving.
The BRZ fuel injection system uniquely combines direct injection and port injection technology. A direct-type fuel-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which enables use of a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio. In light- and medium-load conditions, the port fuel injectors help produce precise combustion, increasing performance and efficiency.
The BRZ offers the choice between a 6-speed manual and, optional for the Limited, a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual features a short-throw shift lever, and triple-cone synchronizers on first through third gears help ensure durability. The 6-speed automatic offers no-compromise fast-shifting performance. The driver can select Sport mode from a switch on the center console for quicker, firmer automatic shifts. Moving the console mounted shifter from “D” to “M” enables manual shifting using the shifter handle or steering wheel paddle shift control switches. Downshift blipping control enhances the sports car driving experience.
A standard Torsen® limited-slip differential helps the inside wheel maintain traction during cornering. For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control system (TCS) offer four driver-selectable settings, including a new Track mode and a TCS Off switch for track driving activities. The double-wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tire grip over varied surfaces. Electric power-assist steering, which reduces weight and load on the engine compared to hydraulic power steering, is tuned for engaging feedback.
Optional Performance Package
Subaru continues to offer an optional Performance Package for the 2018 BRZ Limited with the 6-speed manual transmission. This comprehensive chassis upgrade features SACHS Performance dampers to enhance handling and steering stability and wider alloy wheels (17-in x 7.5-in aluminum versus the standard 17-in x 7.0-in). The high-performance braking system uses Brembo® rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston calipers to enhance stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.
Premium and Limited Trim Levels
Subaru once again offers the BRZ in Premium and Limited trims, upholding the brand’s tradition of outstanding value with their long list of standard amenities. Key among these is the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia system that includes a 6.2-in. high resolution multi-function touch screen display; AM/FM stereo and HD Radio®; single-disc in-dash CD player; 8 speakers; Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming; SiriusXM® All-Access Radio and SiriusXM TravelLink®; Subaru STARLINK smartphone integration with Pandora® and Aha®; Subaru STARLINK Apps including iHeart® Radio and Stitcher™ and a Rear Vision Camera.
The Subaru BRZ Limited offers additional features while keeping the vehicle’s weight low. Seats are upholstered with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, and dual-mode heated front seats are standard. Externally, the BRZ Limited is distinguished in front with LED fog lights.
The BRZ Limited and tS models present a wide array of vehicle performance readouts through a 4.2-in. LCD multifunction display positioned to the right of the prominent tachometer. This display conveys lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temperature, and battery voltage as well as an integrated stopwatch for recording lap times. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a firmer, sporty feel along with audio controls and multifunction display switches for greater control and convenience while driving.
BRZ Limited substitutes dual-zone automatic climate control for the Premium model’s manual system, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start enhances convenience. A full security system augments the Premium model’s engine immobilizer. The dual visor vanity mirrors are illuminated, and front door courtesy lights illuminate when the doors are opened. “BRZ” is embroidered in red on the front seatbacks.
Subaru Safety
The Subaru ring-shaped reinforcement frame design, proven in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the BRZ. The compact Boxer engine enhances safety by allowing more crush room in front and on the sides. High-strength front seat frames provide increased protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. For occupant protection, the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System utilizes dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger airbags. Deployment strength depends on the proximity of the driver to the steering wheel, and whether there is an adult occupying the passenger seat. Front seat side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags offer additional security for front and rear occupants.
