These pictures are the first look at the first ever BRZ tS model, limited to 500 units and available at Planet Subaru later than the other models, in early 2018. The first four pics were captured by one of Planet's team photographers, Max Youmans, at a regional meet. The tS is part of a pair of extreme performance models produced by Subaru for 2018...the other is the STi Type RA "Record Attempt."
The 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI) delivers the highest level of "fun to drive" and "pure handling delight" through greater flexibility, better control and stability.
BRZ is renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, and the new BRZ tS 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 18-in. lightweight STI wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes at all four corners round-out the package.
The exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler. The spoiler is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.
The BRZ tS is also adorned with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. 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 removed and replaced with STI fog light covers.
The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching and accents throughout the interior, including steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter and emergency brake boots. front seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. The visor over the gauge cluster is unique to this model, as is the interior door trim. 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 rear view mirror.
BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.
What's new?
Overview:
We expect the first 2018 BRZ to arrive at Planet Subaru in September of 2017. You can also order a 2018 Subaru BRZ from Planet Subaru.
We were surprised to see the quantity of changes that Subaru made to last year's BRZ. The laws of economics dictate that low-volume models get updated less frequently than the top sellers (e.g. Forester and Outback). Subaru imports BRZs in boutique quantities...Subaru annually sells over 500,000 vehicles in the United States and only a few thousand of them are BRZs.
We expect only the most minor of changes on the 2018 BRZ because of the extensive previous updates. Reports suggest we'll see an all new 2019 model in late 2018. Here's a summary of the changes they made it last year to keep the car fresh and competitive until Subaru undertakes a more ambitious redesign:
- ENGINE: 2.0-liter Boxer receives internal friction reduction improvments including new valves, camshaft and cylinder heads. And with a new aluminum intake manifold and redesigned exhaust manifold for increased air flow, engine output in manual models increases to 205-hp and 156 lb-ft of torque.
- GEARING: Lower final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1, paired with the standard Torsen® limited-slip differential, improves acceleration on models with manual transmission.
- SUSPENSION: 2017 BRZ receives updated coil springs and dampers as well as a larger rear stabilizer bar. Additional reinforcements to the chassis were added to the strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate and the rear wheel housings to increase BRZ's rigidity. The stability control system thresholds are raised to further improve handing..."Sport" mode becomes "Track" mode.
- STYLING: 2017 BRZ sports new wheels, front fascia, rear garnish, fender garnish, and LED headlight and taillight modules.
- INTERIOR: 2017 BRZ gets steering wheel infotainment controls for the first time, and available 4.2-in LCD multifunction display near the tach which displays lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and water temperature, battery voltage, and an integrated stop watch for recording lap times.
- UPGRADES: 2017 BRZ offers optional Performance Package on the Limited model with the manual transmission and includes Brembo® calipers and larger rotors on both front and rear brakes, boosting stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. SACHS® Performance shock absorbers are added to all four corners for improved ride and corning stability. Also included in the package are unique 17-in x 7.5-in black aluminum alloy wheels.
Don't hold your breath waiting for a convertible option, or a hybrid powerplant, or four-doors. Planet Subaru "built" a composting BRZ but there is only one of those! (Actually, there isn't even one). Subaru got us excited with a BRZ STi concept powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine, but alas, it was just a concept. Read more about that car here
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