Subaru testing a BRZ STI in the states

Mook

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With what appears to be no additional power. Cool story, Subaru.

Subaru testing a BRZ with STI badging and a big wing - Autoblog

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Our spy photographer caught this prototype near Subaru's office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it's wearing Michigan manufacturer plates. And, although Subaru taped over it, we can still clearly make out the STI badges on front and back. Despite the STI badges, we don't see any evidence that this BRZ has any kind of power adder like a turbocharger or supercharger. The front vents appear to be the same size as the current model, and there's no hood scoop to feed a possible top-mounted intercooler. The exhaust also looks roughly the same as the naturally aspirated BRZ.

There are some other upgrades, though. Most noticeable is the huge rear wing, which has similar stanchions to the BRZ tS. In addition to the wing, the body is accented with the STI lip spoiler, side skirts, and rear bumper extensions available on the current BRZ. Behind the multi-spoke wheels are Brembo brakes at each corner.

Based on these photos, we'd say this STI-badged BRZ is probably a track package/trim that improves the car's already excellent handling. We of course hope that there may be some horsepower upgrades under the hood. But a lack of visual changes for forced induction, and Subaru's history of reluctance regarding more powerful BRZs, has us erring on the slow side.
 

Bru

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The car's dynamics are totally admirable but the platform (86/FR-S/BRZ) is more of a starting point than a finished product. Needs more tires, brakes and power to be a complete package. Especially when you have cars now like the Camaro and Mustang with decent performance packages on base engines.
 

Thirdgen89GTA

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The car's dynamics are totally admirable but the platform (86/FR-S/BRZ) is more of a starting point than a finished product. Needs more tires, brakes and power to be a complete package. Especially when you have cars now like the Camaro and Mustang with decent performance packages on base engines.

[everyone who's not a car guy]But more power or tire will ruin its handling!!![/everyone who's not a car guy]

Meanwhile, Ford sells a 4dr hatchback Fiesta ST that out-runs and out-guns the BRZ while being more practical.
 

10sec

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The Miata with 220HP would have been so much better than the Miata with 120hp. In no way shape or form would adding power to a car that's way underpowered ruin anything. The only people that enjoy driving a Miata are old AF or :greddy:
 
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