Subaru BRZ ts launched (in Japan)
No more power but a host of interesting tweaks for the latest STI-fettled BRZ
Good, because this is still an intriguing car, proving that Subaru is certainly keen to sanction factory-backed tuning and optimisation. It also looks pretty cool, the deletion of the rear spoiler and the addition of the STI splitter certainly doing the BRZ a favour visually.
Tyres are usually the second thing to be discussed around the BRZ after the performance; the ts runs 225/40 ZR 18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports, a much more performance oriented tyre than the standard Primacy rubber. The wheels are of an STI design. There are also Brembo brakes front and rear and tuned STI suspension as well; springs and dampers, plus the "flexible V-shaped bar" and "flexible draw stiffener" have had a Subaru Technica International refresh.
The Vehicle Dynamics Control ESP system has been recalibrated, along with the intake sound resonator. Subaru claims the STI complete car "achieves both agile handling performance evoking a racing car" as well as a "high quality ride". It also promises "inherent handling pleasure". Quite.
There's the usual smattering of badges and interior trinkets (including some very nice seats) to mark the BRZ ts out as a special edition, plus the choice of Sunrise Yellow, WR Blue, Crystal White and Crystal Black paint. There will only be 300 made for Japan, costing 3,694,444 yen, or just over £19K at today's exchange rate. Now if Subaru could just find a way of making the ts mods a dealer-fit handling pack in the UK...
The diesel repmobiles would have you in a straight line
Amazing cars but as above crying out for another 80-100 hp
The diesel repmobiles would have you in a straight line
Amazing cars but as above crying out for another 80-100 hp
Turbo's can teach laziness and a detriment to driving talent/skill.
Put bright silver (or even white) wheels on the Toyobaru and it would look infinitely better.
The diesel repmobiles would have you in a straight line
Thought PH was one of the places that recognised that the GT86/BRZ is about driving pleasure an is never intended to be a straight line missile.
For what it's worth the 0-100mph time for a GT86 is almost identical to a BMW E30 M3, is within 1 seconds of a Corsa VXR turbo and the same as a current BMW 320D so it's hardly pedestrian!
I still can't get over how shafted we are in the UK that a special edition with all the STI upgrades costs less than second hand standard models here, that's far more upsetting than worrying about some chap in a Corsa!
The diesel repmobiles would have you in a straight line
Amazing cars but as above crying out for another 80-100 hp
Turbo's can teach laziness and a detriment to driving talent/skill.
But you know what, when I drive the mrs gen3 Coupe, I actually quite enjoy giving it a hammering over the mountains and through the lanes. It handles really well and despite needing gobs more of power I still get a laugh out of it. (often get laughed at getting out of it too, but heyho )
People seem to be missing the point Toybaru set out with. A great handling rwd sports car. In that brief it is a success, Should you want more power there are plenty of companies out there offering upgrades, like Litchfield who for just under £1500 will fit their 'performance pack' and take it up to just over 200bhp.
Or chuck them more money for the supercharger kit.
I'd happily have one of these to replace the Hyundai. if I trusted her with it being RWD!
And as for getting mugged at lights/straight lines by chavs/rep mobiles. I couldn't really give two sts I drive for my enjoyment not for traffic light GP's
I still can't get over how shafted we are in the UK that a special edition with all the STI upgrades costs less than second hand standard models here, that's far more upsetting than worrying about some chap in a Corsa!
That's as per the Autocar timed tests using proper timing gear
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