Subaru BRZ tS launched as new range-topper with STI goodies

Subaru’s popular BRZ sports coupe is adding equipment and a new range-topping tS variant for 2018. Available now, every 2018 BRZ variant features third generation 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, including satellite navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The new BRZ tS adds multiple new sporty features and offers even sharper handling and linear response – plus improved roll stability and ride comfort – thanks to significant input from Subaru performance arm, Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

2018 Subaru BRZ tS adds:

• SACHS suspension
• Brembo brakes with red painted callipers
• STI coil springs
• Flexible V-shaped bar
• Flexible draw stiffener
• Black finish 18-inch STI alloy wheels
• Exclusive front bumper, including grille with tS badge
• Black rear spoiler, mirrors and shark-fin roof mounted antenna
• tS and STI exterior badging
• STI side garnish
• Red highlights and tS logo added to Alcantara seat trim
• Grand Luxe door panel trim and dashboard highlight
• Exclusive steering wheel – black with red accent and STI logo
• Red seat belts
• Push button starter with STI logo, which also appears in the instrument cluster

Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie, said: “BRZ has earned a strong following since its launch in 2012 and the addition of the tS to the range will help maintain momentum for this fun sports coupe.

“The combination of suspension, brake and cosmetic enhancements make it an appealing package for sports car fans looking for a bit more edge from their BRZ.

“Also, the significant improvements to infotainment right across the BRZ range literally make it an even more entertaining drive.”

• READ MORE: Subaru BRZ Review

2018 Subaru BRZ Infotainment

Every BRZ has a six-speaker infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen display. The third generation head unit at the heart of the infotainment system enables Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and voice recognition, as well as Smartphone connectivity based on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services.

The newest addition to the BRZ range features several STI performance parts including:

Flexible V-shaped bar

This reinforced part enhances the car’s response to steering and control, without affecting ride comfort. It features a pillow ball inserted at each bar, ensuring the rigidity required for agile handling. It is also designed to transmit vibrations smoothly, reducing yaw rate and response time of lateral G forces after turning the steering wheel.

Flexible draw stiffener

The flexible draw stiffener links the front suspension cross member and chassis (subframe) at an angle and applies a pre-load, which reduces the delay in chassis movement after steering. It ensures the car responds as intended after driver input in a broad range of driving situations, including when first turning the steering wheel, driving through ruts in the road, in crosswinds, rain or during acceleration and braking.

STI aluminium wheels – 18-inch 7.5J

The forged aluminium wheels feature 15 straight spokes. The rim is shaped with a spin-forging process, for both light weight and excellent rigidity. Spin-forging is a special machining method that involves spinning aluminium material in a similar way to a pottery wheel, to roll and form the material into wheels. The aluminium atoms are pressed and rolled together for greater strength, lighter weight and thinner design.

Brembo brake callipers

Red-painted Brembo brakes are used for improved stopping power and superior fade resistance, ensuring a constant braking feel during sporty driving. Opposing-piston 4-pot brake callipers at the front and 2-pot brake callipers at the rear avoid uneven pad wear, while large diameter rotors ensure better heat dissipation and excellent fade resistance.

SACHS suspension

SACHS shock absorbers, tuned exclusively by STI – after extensive performance testing – deliver linear steering response.

STI-tuned coil springs

Coil springs tuned by STI limit body roll and provide a flat, quality feel for smooth ride comfort. The springs are painted in STI’s characteristic cherry red.

18-inch high-performance tyres

High performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres were selected by STI, following extensive testing, ensuring their suitability to the tuned suspension and body reinforcements. The size is 215/40R18.

Colours – all BRZs

Crystal white pearl
Ice silver metallic
Dark grey metallic
Crystal black silica
WR blue pearl
Lapis blue pearl
Pure red
Cool grey – exclusively on BRZ tS-only for a strictly limited period.

2018 Subaru BRZ pricing (excluding on-roads)