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Limited-Edition 2018 Subaru BRZ tS to Offer More Style, Sharper Handling

2018 Subaru BRZ tS
Photo: Subaru
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Khatir Soltani
No power gain, but an interesting driver’s car nonetheless

Subaru Canada is announcing the launch of a limited-edition BRZ tS (the letters stand for “tuned by STI”). Limited to 100 units when it goes on sale at Subaru dealerships across the country early next year, it is said to take the sports coupe’s performance to another level.

"The BRZ has always been about the thrill of the drive, and this new special edition model takes that concept even further. This is the ultimate expression of driving enjoyment the Subaru and STI brands have been built on."

- Yasushi Enami, president, chairman and CEO, Subaru Canada, Inc.

For true sport driving enthusiasts
Similar to the WRX STI versus the regular WRX, the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS enhances handling and response over the standard BRZ. It features STI-tuned front and rear Sachs dampers and coil springs, as well as flexible V-bars in the engine compartment, and new draw stiffeners to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response.

However, the 2.0L four-cylinder Boxer engine stays the same, which means you’ll get no more than the current 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. A slight bump in output would have been nice, don’t you think? A six-speed manual gearbox is the only way to shift gears with this model.

The 2018 Subaru BRZ is also equipped with 18-inch STI alloy wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo brakes at all four corners round out the package.

Styling that stands out
From a visual standpoint, this limited edition of the BRZ sports an aggressive new look courtesy of an exclusive STI carbon fibre rear spoiler (manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce) as well as STI front, rear and side underspoilers. Furthermore, there’s an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. The exterior mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and Subaru badging all have a black finish, while the rear trunk lid displays the official BRZ tS badge. The front fascia is exclusive to the tS model, too.

Inside, look for red accents throughout. The black leather and Alcantara seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. Completing the revised cockpit are red front seatbelts and a frameless rear-view mirror.

Available in World Rally Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica or Crystal White Pearl, the limited-edition 2018 Subaru BRZ tS will retail for $37,395. Don’t waste your time if you want to snag a copy of this hot Japanese sports coupe. 

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada