Following Toyota last week, Subaru has announced announced upgrades for the Subaru BRZ for the model year 2018. Coinciding with the new range is the introduction of an STI-inspired tS variant.
Starting with the tS, it gets Sachs sports suspension, four-piston front and twin-piston rear Brembo brakes with red calipers, STI coil springs, a strut tower brace and draw stiffener, along with black STI 18-inch alloy wheels and a unique front bumper bar and black rear spoiler.
Some enhancements are also made for the interior, with STI sill plates, red highlights and Alcantara seat trim, with Grand Luxe door trims, along with an STI steering wheel and gear shifter. Passengers are also treated to red seat belts and the driver gets an STI start button.
Aside from the tS, the MY2018 BRZ gets a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, packed with Graphical User Interface functionality for a smartphone-like experience and a nice clean look. Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie said:
“BRZ has earned a strong following since its launch in 2012 and the addition of the tS to the range will help maintain momentum for this fun sports coupe. The combination of suspension, brake and cosmetic enhancements make it an appealing package for sports car fans looking for a bit more edge from their BRZ.”
So far this year (through November) Subaru has sold 708 examples of the BRZ, compared with 1520 units of the Toyota 86. BRZ sales are up 184.3 per cent year-to-date while the Toyota is down 21.5 per cent. The new model, particularly the tS, is expected to see ongoing sales increases. Full prices for the MY2018 are as follows (excluding on-roads):
2018 Subaru BRZ manual – $33,990
2018 Subaru BRZ auto – $35,990
2018 Subaru BRZ Premiu manual – $35,490
2018 Subaru BRZ Premium auto – $37,490
2018 Subaru BRZ tS manual – $39,894
2018 Subaru BRZ tS auto – $41,894
