Subaru BRZ gets a new performance-oriented tS variant

KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru US has expanded the lineup of the BRZ sports car with the addition of a performance-oriented tS variant. The "tS" stands for 'tuned by STI,' which refers to Subaru Tecnica International high-performance division. 

The new trim is based on the existing BRZ Limited variant and comes with performance upgrades, enhanced visuals as well as special badging. 

Speaking about the performance upgrades first, the sports car gets an STI-tuned suspension, with Hitachi dampers that promise “greater flexibility and better control and stability.” Also new is the high-performance Brembo braking system, which comprises four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers. Sprayed with gold, the calipers are mated to larger pads and rotors enhancing stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.

Further adding to the performance are 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

In terms of visual changes, the Subaru BRZ tS sets itself apart from the standard model with - 

• tS badges on the grille and boot lid
• Gold brake callipers
• Shark fin antenna in Crystal Black Silica
• Black door mirror caps 
• Blue interior stitching
• Blue leather accent on the seats
• STI logos on the start button and 7-inch instrument cluster

No changes are made to the sports car’s engine as the new BRZ tS variant is powered by the same 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine found on the standard version. The said engine kicks out a maximum power of 228 hp and a peak torque of 249 Nm. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission paired with a Torsen limited-slip differential.

The sports car is equipped with a comprehensive list of features including - 

• LED headlights (low and high beam) with automatic height adjustment
• Keyless Access with Push-Button Start
• Vehicle Stability Control with Track Mode
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Incline Start Assist
• Power fuel-door lock
• Welcome Lighting
• Heated exterior power mirrors
• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Offered for the first time on any Subaru model with manual transmission is EyeSight Driver Assist pack. It Includes several advanced systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. 

The all-new 2024 BRZ tS will hit the US showroom in the first quarter of 2024. 

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