Subaru is gearing up to make its rear-wheel drive sports car even sharper.
A “sharper and more focused” BRZ has been teased for the USA ahead of its reveal on July 23 at Subiefest in California.
The teaser image features a small BRZ logo finished in pink (or Cherry Blossom Red in Subaru speak) on the edge of the headlight, suggesting it’ll be given a working-over by the specialists at Subaru Tecnica International (STI).
Don’t expect more power from the 2.4-litre petrol engine, given Subaru and Toyota have staunchly refused to squeeze more from the BRZ and GR86’s naturally aspirated engine throughout its two generations.
The hottest factory Subaru BRZ in the last generation was the tS.
It featured a smattering of STI accessories, including a body kit and a lip spoiler, along with tweaks to the suspension, brakes, wheels, and shifter.
The stock BRZ
The STI division has changed direction recently, confirming it won’t be developing a WRX STI – its traditional flagship.
“Subaru Corporation will fast-track their investment in future performance technologies, today confirming there will be no STI variant for the new generation Subaru WRX,” said Subaru Australia last March.
“This announcement paves the way forward for an exciting new era of performance exhilaration; with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) focusing on bringing forward new technologies for future Subaru models.”
Subaru is determined to keep it alive in some form Down Under, however.
Subaru WRX
Along with performance parts for the new WRX sedan and Sportswagon, the STI badge looks set to spread across the Subaru range with a set of more performance-oriented Tuned by STI models.
“We acknowledge the long love affair Australians have had with the WRX STI, and the STI brand,” Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read told media.
“The STI engineers and that team, that did all these great things, haven’t packed up and gone home. They’re still there,” Mr Read told CarExpert.
“Part of that change in direction with the STI brand is how it can play a role not just in one model variant, but across all the product. There is exciting options and development in a number of different areas that will feed its way into all the different models,” he said.
MORE: Everything Subaru BRZ
