Subaru of America teases a special BRZ that leaves us asking questions.
Subaru has teased a “sharper and more focused” version of the BRZ sports car, touting the mystery model for a full reveal later this month and a public appearance in California at Subiefest on July 23. The teaser announcement has a single photo of the BRZ's headlamp with its name marked near the corner.
While we're sure the updated model will not be limited to a mere headlamp decal, the teaser leaves us brimming with speculations about the upcoming updated BRZ. Likely, it won't just be a trim package, as the words accompanying the teaser suggest performance enhancements to the sports coupe. Or at least that's what we're hoping for.
This leaves the 10th Anniversary Edition BRZ – released in Japan last year – out of the equation. The limited model only had aesthetic enhancements such as black badges, wheels, and blue stitching in the cabin. It's also exclusively available in World Rally Blue paint color.
Integrating Subaru's award-winning EyeSight technology into the MT-equipped BRZ is another update that hasn't reached the US yet. Announced last month, this tech update was rolled out in Japan first. While this update's arrival in the US will likely happen, we doubt it's something that Subaru of America will tease with the words “sharper and more focused” in tow.
And then, there's the STI-tuned Subaru BRZ, which we think aligns with the teaser just fine. Tuned by STI (instead of being an official BRZ STI), it debuted online in 2021, receiving performance and aesthetic upgrades such as carbon fiber body kits, a swan-neck wing, and bronze STI wheels. Other enhancements include an STI strut brace for rigidity and a cat-back exhaust system with polished tips.
We'll know concrete details on July 23, 2023, when the automaker takes the wraps off of its mysterious BRZ update. Whatever's in store, we're hoping Subaru of America will not disappoint fans and enthusiasts by just introducing updates that don't improve any aspect of performance at all.
Whatever the case, the future of the BRZ is in doubt, as Toyota is apparently looking to ditch Subaru for the next-gen GR86, developing the sports car in-house with turbo power from the GR Corolla.
Keyword: TEASED: Subaru BRZ Is Getting A More Hardcore Brother