The Subaru BRZ is one of the most beloved sports cars on the market, thanks to its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform, agile handling, and affordable price. But for some enthusiasts, the BRZ is not enough. They want more performance, more grip, and more excitement. They want a BRZ that can challenge the best sports cars in the world on the track. They want a BRZ that is tuned by STI, Subaru's legendary performance division.
Well, those enthusiasts are in luck because Subaru has just unveiled the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS, a special edition model that promises to deliver the ultimate handling experience. The tS stands for "tuned by STI," and it means that this BRZ has received a host of upgrades and enhancements from the same team that created the iconic WRX STI and the record-breaking Nürburgring lap time.
The Subaru BRZ tS is not a full-fledged STI model, though. It does not have a turbocharged engine or a massive rear wing. Instead, it focuses on improving the already excellent chassis and suspension of the BRZ, making it sharper, stiffer, and more responsive. The result is a BRZ that can carve corners like a scalpel while still retaining its balance and fun factor.
What's New for 2024?
The Subaru BRZ tS is based on the second-generation Subaru BRZ that debuted in 2020. It shares the same 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It also has the same sleek and sporty exterior design, with LED headlights and taillights, a wide grille, and a dual exhaust system.
However, the tS adds some distinctive features that set it apart from the regular BRZ. The most noticeable are the 18-inch matte bronze alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which provide more grip and traction than the standard tires. The wheels also reveal the Brembo brakes with four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, painted in gold to match the STI logo on the center caps.
The tS also has some subtle but effective aerodynamic enhancements, such as a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, all finished in black with cherry blossom red accents. The most striking element is the carbon-fiber rear spoiler, which is manually adjustable and reduces lift at high speeds. The spoiler also features an integrated LED brake light and an STI logo.
The exterior color choices for the tS are limited to three options: Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. All of them come with black side mirrors and a black shark fin antenna.
The interior of the tS is also upgraded with some exclusive touches. The leather and Alcantara seats have red stitching and tS logos on the headrests. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter knob, and parking brake lever also have red stitching, door panels and a dashboard. The seatbelts are also red, adding some contrast to the black cabin.
The instrument cluster has a 7-inch digital display that shows various information such as speed, rpm, fuel level, water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure, and g-force. It also has a dedicated screen for the EyeSight driver-assist system, which is standard on all manual transmission-equipped BRZs for 2024. The EyeSight system includes features such as pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert.
The center console has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also has a six-speaker sound system with HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. Other features include:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Keyless access with push-button start.
- Heated front seats.
- A rearview camera.
