BRZ STi

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A white Subaru BRZ with STI badges has been spotted lapping the Nürburgring. While STI badges on the WRX have always represented higher performance, the additional aerodynamic body modifications of this BRZ seem to confirm what we’ve expected is coming: a Subaru BRZ STI. For more on how the Subaru BRZ STI fits into Subaru’s future performance lineup with the upcoming WRX, read our update from Peter Lyon below.

A carbon fiber air splitter sits at the bottom of the front fascia, while larger brakes with black-painted calipers peek out from behind what appear to be 18-inch alloy wheels featuring a similar design to the BBS wheels found on WRX STI models. STI badges can be found on the brake calipers and wheel center caps. Around back, a large wing (likely made of aluminum and carbon fiber) is placed on the deck lid.

Though it’s unclear what’s under the hood of this Subaru BRZ STI, the lack of a hood scoop – a turbocharged Subaru hallmark – suggest this non-turbocharged model is designed with handling and braking improvements in mind. But considering that several aftermarket tuners have fit turbochargers and superchargers into BRZ and FR-S engine bays, don’t be surprised to see a more powerful BRZ or FR-S variant in the future.

At a recent SEMA show preview, six out of seven Scion FR-S models were fitted with superchargers. As for turbochargers, Accelerated Performance has a turbocharger setup for the BRZ and FR-S that is claimed to be capable of more than 400 hp. Whatever the future holds for the BRZ, we’re looking forward to a potential production model based on the prototype seen in the gallery below.

We’ve heard more on the future of the Subaru BRZ from our foreign correspondent Peter Lyon. Here’s what he’s learned about upcoming BRZ variants:

Though the BRZ STI concept unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon last January lacked a hood scoop that signifies a turbo, all the indicators pointed to Subaru giving its new coupe some real extra punch in the form of a turbo. Well now that the BRZ STI has been spied testing on the Nürburgring, I can categorically say that it does not have a turbo.

My source says the exhaust note sounded “beefier,” signaling that Subaru engineers may have tweaked the engine by fitting a high-performance exhaust system and perhaps even an uprated ECU delivering around 220-230 hp (up 20-30 hp). And that all makes sense because from what I am hearing, Subaru’s marketing staff wants to position this STI under the soon-to-be-launched all-new WRX — so we can’t have the BRZ producing more power than the next WRX.

Fitted with what looks like new lighter, larger, high performance wheels, my source tells me the BRZ STI also cornered flatter than the stock BRZ generating far less body roll. This would indicate that the car has been given some special STI springs and dampers, which would no doubt have been developed at the Nürburgring. It also employs significantly upgraded brakes in the form of the STI 4-piston variety, replacing the stock car’s floating setup.

One source close to Subaru in Japan tells me that we can expect to see the BRZ STI land in showrooms as early as spring 2013 (in Japan) and soon after that in the U.S.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/subaru-brz-sti-284547.html#ixzz2CJ6LEfFC

The 2014 FXT does not have a hood scoop either.

Water to air!? It looks ok.

In a press release for the 2014 FXT. Subaru said it had the same 250hp 2.0L direct injected turbo as the BRZ. Oops. Spilled the beans. I have also read that the new Turbo FB engine has Subarus own DI technology. So with Toyota out of the picture they are doing whatever they want with the platform. As for the 2014 FXT. It has no hoodscoop cause the hood has internal ducting.

I knew they would make a turbo BRZ but when is the question. I think they are going to release the new WRX and STi first then release the turbo BRZ.

Larry Myers has a used manual WRB on their lot right now. I'm going to try to go drive it sometime this week.

250hp out of a 2l is pretty impressive in my book.

wunabSTi wrote:

As for the 2014 FXT. It has no hoodscoop cause the hood has internal ducting.

Pic for reference:



The only thing that comes to mind with that related to a BRZ is, is there enough room? I really don't think there's enough room between the intake manifold and firewall in a BRZ to stuff a TMIC, unless they develop a new one. And even if they did they'd have to ditch their strut tower braces. However they do it, if the keep the TMIC method, it's gonna be tight. Of course that's all assuming it doesn't already exist.

I wouldn't be surprised if Subaru waited to see what all the aftermarket companies were doing. Everyone knew turbo setups would happen, and they popped up immediately. Makes R&D for Subaru a lot easier. These cars are going to be retarded when they do arrive, especially with the usual aftermarket DP and tune.

Yeah I knew it was on its way when I read the new FXT has a 250 hp turbo 2.0... Im guessing this will be the same engine in the next gen wrx as well.

That internal scoop looks like it would draw in mass amounts of hot air from the engine.

Yeah from a performance standpoint I imagine it's less effective than a big hole in the hood. Maybe a trade off as far as aerodynamics go, not that a Forester or Impreza has anything going for it in that realm, but the BRZ does. It's probably alright at speed getting air in above the grill, but when sitting still all that heat has nowhere to go.

Agreed.

wunabSTi wrote:

In a press release for the 2014 FXT. Subaru said it had the same 250hp 2.0L direct injected turbo as the BRZ. Oops. Spilled the beans. I have also read that the new Turbo FB engine has Subarus own DI technology. So with Toyota out of the picture they are doing whatever they want with the platform. As for the 2014 FXT. It has no hoodscoop cause the hood has internal ducting.

Where did you see this?

I'll have to dig it up. I may have found it on the forester forum. Can't exactly remember.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20121113/CARREVIEWS/121119935

Cool thanks for the link!