From the moment the Subaru BRZ was released back in 2012, there have been calls for a turbocharged, STI version. How could enthusiasts ever hope to be satisfied with a mere 200 horsepower, when that same four-cylinder boxer engine in turbocharged form makes 268 in the WRX? And so there have been those who’ve been ardently awaiting the arrival of the car that Subaru just had to build, the turbocharged BRZ STI. Are these spy pictures proof that it’s finally coming? Maybe.
Shot outside Subaru’s research and development center, the photos show a BRZ with what are clearly some performance modifications. We can see a new front lip spoiler, restyled lower body-side panels, 15-spoke wheels, Brembo brakes, and a substantial rear wing, along with what appear to be red seats and seatbelts. Most intriguingly, there’s a taped-over STI badge on the decklid.
Some of those items, though, like the Brembo brakes, already are available in the optional Performance package on the 2017 car. Also, various BRZ special editions, such as 2015’s BRZ Series.Blue, have been adorned with similar body modifications and a smattering of STI badges (if not to the degree that BMW sprinkles M badges on not-M cars). So this car could be another special edition in the works.
Subaru did bring a BRZ-based STI Performance concept to the 2015 New York auto show, but that car was more heavily modified, with blistered fenders and an even larger rear wing. There’s also the notion, floated by company insiders, that the STI designation could be expanded, meaning it wouldn’t necessarily signify a turbocharged engine, becoming more like what M is to BMW in terms of tuning and parts. Whatever the case, this tweet from Subaru suggests we’ll have our answer on June 8:
Stay tuned…6/8/17. #STIhttp://pic.twitter.com/PU4ehFolH5
— Subaru (@subaru_usa) May 30, 2017
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