So, Subie corrected an (allegedly) underpowered car by adding . . . drag? Oh, and $8,000 to the price tag.
Got it.
Better than: 2018 Subaru BRZ
But not as good as: 2018 Subaru BRZ
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 78.07
We started hearing the rumblings a while back that an STI-tuned BRZ was in the works. What could that mean? More power? Big turbo power? Super-big turbo power? Super-big turbo power plus a big wing?
Well, we got the wing. The hard-to-miss centerpiece of the tS package is a giant carbon-fiber rear wing. It’s manually adjustable, too. The aero add-ons also include front and side “underspoilers.”
Other upgrades include STI-tuned Sachs dampers, the Brembo brakes found on the Performance Package, and 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires wrapped around STI wheels.
Then there’s the interior tweaks, including lots of red accents–including a red start button. The exterior gets black mirrors, some Cherry Blossom Red accents and a tS badge. The foglights have been deleted.
The super-big turbo power? Not on the spec sheet, as the BRZ tS gets the same 205-horsepower engine found across the model line.
Subaru says that only 500 units will be delivered. Where the BRZ starts at $25,595, this one retails for $33,495.
Long-time BRZ fan, first-time tS driver. Does the BRZ need more power? Well, with that comes extra weight, complexity and cost. Then is it still a BRZ?
So put me in the camp that’s happy with the current setup. The possible alternative? How about no BRZ? Yeah, that would stink.
I’ve been living with and tracking a BRZ for a year now and am still a huge fan. Yes, faster cars exist, but this one is fun at legal speeds. My M3 sits while I drive this instead. It’s the same thing that makes a Miata so much fun. It’s easy to drive at the limit, great on gas, and easy on tires.
Plus the BRZ is sized just right for two. The back seats are just a place to store stuff.
The tS intrigued me. It’s a lot like the Performance Package but with a wing and some exclusivity. Know what? It’s not for me. The wing just attracts too much attention. And, honestly, this one had a few squeaks. Put me back in a standard BRZ, and I’m totally happy.
Interesting footnote: Our local dealer still has one on the lot. It’s in WR Blue, too.
So, Subie corrected an (allegedly) underpowered car by adding . . . drag? Oh, and $8,000 to the price tag.
Got it.
tS - turboless STILL
Home-made rice!
Now that is innovation for ya right there!
8 grand for a wing, brakes and wheels? Geez, I know your Bang for the Buck index is super squirrel secret, but I feel it still needs some tweeks.
Ts: Tough Sh!t, you aint getting more power.
Subaru’s “limited editions” definitely tend to be terrible values and geared toward fanboys. That said, new Limited Performance Package cars are trading at around $26k, which really feels like a good deal to me for a new car with a back seat, roof, and a trunk. Reliable fun that can carry everything you need to the track without any trailers. Yep, sounds ok.
This is hilarious, there's a kid at work with a BRZ modified pretty much exactly like this, except his wing is even bigger and more tacky. At least they seem to know their market.
Yet they will still sell all of them.. because people are stupid af.
It's not completely fair to compar the Ts to the base, the more fair comparison would be to the BRZ Limited.
I was hoping for a wing that looked like the traditional STi big rectangle thing. I think something like that would be sweet on the BRZ.
This one looks like a $100 ebay special bolted to the trunklid.
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