Subaru BRZ STi (2013) range-topping BRZ on the way

Subaru has revealed teasing shots of the new BRZ STi. Almost two years after Subaru previewed the BRZ via the Concept STi (pictured, right), these new shots confirm a production version is on the way – though it’s unclear if it’ll be tuned-up performance version, or merely a fettled and bodykitted refresh.

Traditionally, Subaru’s STi models offer more power than their common-or-garden stablemates. However, the BRZ is unlikely to get a turbocharger conversion with heaps more power, after Toyota played down suggestions of a blown GT86, and its American-market offshoot, Scion, confirmed it had no plans to offer a turbo FR-S.

So, while it’s likely that the BRZ STi could get a slight bump up from the regular car’s 197bhp and 151lb ft, upgrades are instead likely to focus of suspension, braking and aerodynamic modifications.
Toyota offers a revised GT86 in the UK – the TRD, or Toyota Racing Development edition. It wears 18in tyres as standard, a bespoke bodykit, and badging trinkets inside, but no extra performance. At £31,495, it’s hard to justify the extra £6500 it costs over the standard GT86.

The 2011 BRZ Concept STi looks the business to us, with quad exhausts, extra rear ducting and a massive rear wing. Paint the wheels gold, keep the price sensible, and we might just forgive the lack of a generous brake horsepower boost, Subaru…

By Ollie Kew