RE: Subaru will make a BRZ STI!

RE: Subaru will make a BRZ STI!

Monday 5th August 2013

Subaru will make a BRZ STI!

But won't say when, or actually anything about it



So with the Impreza no longer available in Britain, Subaru needed a new STi flagship. And no discussion around the BRZ (or the Toyota GT86) is complete without a debate on its power. Hopefully you can see where this is going...

This honestly is the biggest clue so far...
This honestly is the biggest clue so far...
Some rather grainy 'teaser images' have surfaced on the Japanese STI website depicting the pink Subaru Tecnica International initials on a BRZ. For now, all that's on show is the front grille/numberplate and wing. They're accompanied by a 'purity of handling' slogan, with not even a hidden hint at extra power.

But a boost (pun intended) of some kind is inevitable, so what can we expect? Well, the Forester is available with a turbocharged version of the BRZ engine making 240hp and 258lb ft, which would certainly address concerns surrounding the standard car's 200hp and 151lb ft. But would a turbo (and its lag) compromise the driving experience? And can it fit?

A supercharger would eliminate the throttle response issue, and a few tuners have already pursued that path; it's a solution that's been hinted at by important programme chief Tetsuya Tada too. Replacing components to liberate extra power whilst maintaining the boxer's atmospheric status is another option, but some sort of forced induction looks likely. There's even been rumours of a KERS-style hybrid system...

We'd assumed this already Subaru
We'd assumed this already Subaru
Subaru announced recently that a range of Pro-R performance, handling and styling modifications would soon be available through dealers for the BRZ. Toyota have already launched a GT86 TRD moreover. Will Subaru throw the whole catalogue at an STI? Let's hope it's more appealing than the BMW Performance accessories...

Of course, this is all conjecture given Subaru has only confirmed that a BRZ STI will be made and nothing more. Still, it's good to see the STI lineage will continue, albeit in altered form. Toyota, your move...

 

 

Author
Discussion

loudlashadjuster

Original Poster:

5,082 posts

183 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
A Subaru Breasty®? It may have its knockers among the purists, but along with a tuned Toyota cousin, it might make a fine pair.

Addymk2

334 posts

171 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Boost it, that way it's in a different league to the TRD attempt. If they already have the capability to do it why not! The afternarket world has managed it so why can't the manufacturer?

Sf_Manta

2,188 posts

190 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
This could well be interesting, with TRD going the N/A route and Subaru going with forced induction.
It'd be 2 very different animals with both power levels and delivery, I likey! thumbup

acespizee

112 posts

150 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Finally, this car is now getting the power it needs and deserves with a lot more tuning potential for more fun down than the line. They need to keep the price well below 30k tho.

I would love to see Subaru back at there best.


acespizee

112 posts

150 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Sf_Manta said:
This could well be interesting, with TRD going the N/A route and Subaru going with forced induction.
It'd be 2 very different animals with both power levels and delivery, I likey! thumbup
cool

Benbay001

5,794 posts

156 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
What happened to the 400hp 2.0l engine used in the Impreza?

Jawaman

271 posts

132 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
acespizee said:
Finally, this car is now getting the power it needs and deserves with a lot more tuning potential for more fun down than the line. They need to keep the price well below 30k tho.

I would love to see Subaru back at there best.
If they make an STi version worthy of the badge, (i.e. circa 250-300bhp, suspension and brake upgrades etc) I would put money on the finished article retailing closer to 40k.....

davidcharles

400 posts

193 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Litchfield already do a package of a remap and exhaust that gets over 220bhp without any turbos. I think this car suites N/A tbh...perhaps with a bit more engine work etc the STi version could get near 250bhp without a turbo...that would be nice

kambites

67,460 posts

220 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
I hope they go supercharged or N/A but given their history I very much doubt it.

acespizee

112 posts

150 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Jawaman said:
If they make an STi version worthy of the badge, (i.e. circa 250-300bhp, suspension and brake upgrades etc) I would put money on the finished article retailing closer to 40k.....
Well i would rather they did make something truly worthy of the badge so...

acespizee

112 posts

150 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
davidcharles said:
Litchfield already do a package of a remap and exhaust that gets over 220bhp without any turbos. I think this car suites N/A tbh...perhaps with a bit more engine work etc the STi version could get near 250bhp without a turbo...that would be nice
IMO I think STI's should always be F/I.

Jawaman

271 posts

132 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
acespizee said:
IMO I think STI's should always be F/I.
Would agree.

There are a generation of ex impreza owners floating about who a proper STI BRZ should be aimed at now they have matured a bit....and executed properly this car has the potential to be a true future classic.

Fingers crossed STI doesn't go all "lifestyle" like the Msport / Sline cack

Zed Ed

1,103 posts

182 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
acespizee said:
IMO I think STI's should always be F/I.
How are you on women having the vote?


Corkman

15 posts

133 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
loudlashadjuster said:
... knockers ... a fine pair ...
Is it my one track mind or was that deliberate...?

Krikkit

26,500 posts

180 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Supercharged would be good; still retains a nice throttle response, but keeps it open for a good dollop more power.

The Danimal

178 posts

154 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Zed Ed said:
acespizee said:
IMO I think STI's should always be F/I.
How are you on women having the vote?
biggrin


HonestIago

1,719 posts

185 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Is there any chance of getting the manic 2.0 litre turbo Impreza STi engine back from c.2002-2005? Or will it be the 2.5 litre with chocolate pistons to meet emissions standards?

Edited by HonestIago on Monday 5th August 14:59

Dynamic Turtle

112 posts

147 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
I think the issues with pitching an STI at either £40k to the now late 30's / early 40's former enthusiasts, is that Fisher Price interior. They'll have to spend some of the budget on better plastics...

DanielSan

18,745 posts

166 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Haven't Subaru recently been testing the new STI Impreza and BRZ at the 'ring not all that long ago. I think this car is a lot closer to reality than they're letting on.

HonestIago

1,719 posts

185 months

Monday 5th August 2013
quotequote all
Dynamic Turtle said:
I think the issues with pitching an STI at either £40k to the now late 30's / early 40's former enthusiasts, is that Fisher Price interior. They'll have to spend some of the budget on better plastics...
People over-think interiors IMO, my classic Impreza is a perfectly pleasant place to be although far from luxurious I'll admit. I think if the BRZ STi came with 300bhp, <1400kg kerb weight and the sort of blistering B-road pace that Imprezas are renowned for then it would sell at c.£40k if it looks purposeful enough and not woefully ugly.