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When the Subaru BRZ, and sister car Scion FR-S, came on the scene, it was a blessing to those who enjoyed spirited rear-wheel drive coupes on a budget. Many enthusiasts hoped Subaru would follow the 200-horsepower standard BRZ with a higher-performance STI model. Well, the BRZ STI Concept is here, and it has a whole host of upgrades.
STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, and those three letters have long been affixed to the highest-performance Subaru models—namely the WRX STI. In the case of the BRZ STI Concept, the moniker means upgrades to the chassis and suspension, as well as the engine intake and exhaust systems. Those familiar with the stock BRZ will notice the addition of wide body kit, carbon-fiber rear diffuser, and carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
The STI Performance Concept is part of a promotional push for the U.S. expansion of STI. Subaru's STI division currently sells aftermarket parts and STI-tuned cars in Japan, and wants to bring that business to North America, as well as expanding its motorsports involvement.
According to Subaru, cars upgraded and tuned by STI will be available through dealerships. The upgrades can include anything from suspension and brakes to aerodynamic and chassis enhancements.
One subject that was not touched on was the prospect of a turbocharged engine. The four-door Subaru WRX STI features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the hope from many was that an STI-tuned BRZ would include the addition of a turbocharger. No such mention with this concept, but we can still hold out hope, right?
See our complete 2015 New York auto show coverage.
—George Kennedy
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