Subaru has resurrected the tS flagship for its second-generation BRZ, which adds a number of performance-orientated components to make it a more capable track car, as well as boosted safety expected to arrive in Australia next year.
Shown off in the US, the new top-spec BRZ is yet to be confirmed for local market consumption, with Subaru Australia telling CarsGuide: “We don’t have any specific news to share about the recently unveiled model at Subiefest California.”
“Stay tuned for more information about the MY24 Subaru BRZ Australian specification, which will be released in due course!” the spokesperson said.
The tS was part of the first-generation BRZ line-up from 2017 and the new version carries over much of the same performance tweaks as before.
That means STI-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes, as well as sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres on all four of its 18-inch aluminium wheels.
However, most notably is the inclusion of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology – the first time the safety suite has been on offer with a manual gearbox.
Subaru US notes that “all 2024 Subaru BRZ models equipped with a manual transmission will include EyeSight as standard equipment”, which means the tech is likely to push pricing up for Australia’s updated model.
EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning that were exclusive to automatic-equipped Subarus up to this point.
From the outside, the new BRZ tS can be distinguished by variant-specific badging, Crystal Black Silica side mirrors and antenna, as well as its dark-grey aluminium wheels.
Inside, the tS boasts blue contrast stitching, an STI-branded starter button and red highlights on the 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, on top of features standard on the Limited grade (known as S in Australia) such as a leather steering wheel, sports seats, dual-zone climate control and an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen.
However, there are no changes to the powertrain, which is still a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder petrol engine that punches out 174kW/250Nm to the rear wheels.
The tS is also offered exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a Torsen limited-slip differential at the rear adds to its dynamic capabilities.
For reference, the Australia’s 2023 Subaru BRZ line-up kicks off from $40,290 before on-road costs and tops out at $45,390, so if the tS were to come Down Under, expect to pay closer to $50,000 for the sports coupe.
Keyword: 2024 Subaru BRZ tS previews incoming changes to Toyota GR86 sports car twin