Subaru is Releasing the BRZ tS in Japan Only!

Last summer, Subaru enthusiasts heard the hype that that STi version of the BRZ may be in line next. Unfortunately, that never happened but Subaru did tease for the BRZ tS model that was unveiled recently.

I am still new to the car culture and didn’t know what the “tS ” stood for. Using the power of Google, it stands for “Tuned by STI”. Not much can be said since the car isn’t getting any beefier and instead will be lighter, which means it will have the same 200 horsepower we have come to love…or hate.

Looks like there will be two versions of this lightweight BRZ: BRZ tS and BRZ tS GT-Package. The GT-Package model will receive a carbon-fiber rear spoiler and black, lightweight wheels, “STI” kidney grille inserts, exclusive fog light surrounds, a front lip spoiler and side extensions. The interior of the “GT-Package” gets Recaro seats, shift knob, and a steering wheel pad.

Performance wise, it will have an upgraded Bilstein suspension system, Brembo brakes, and a strengthened driveshaft. From the owners on the forums who own the BRZ, suspension and handling were quite impressive so I’m sure having another level of upgraded parts will make the driving better and more fun around the twisty corners.

Subaru also mentioned that it will only produce 750 units of the the tS model, with 500 of them being the standard BRZ tS and 250 being the BRZ tS GT-Package.

Luckily, for the DIYers, we don’t have to wait to get our hands on this model as we can purchase the BRZ and upgrade it however we like with some aftermarket parts.

Did anyone buy a BRZ lately? I wouldn’t mind having one parked next to my STi…

What are your thoughts?

 

– Harry

The search for Ruby…

I doubt anyone is reading these posts but Ive been pretty busy these last two months due to the search of a car.  I started a search for my 2012 Lightning Red 4dr STi Ltd (aka Ruby). After a few days of scouring the United States, I ended up ordering the car through Valley Stream Subaru in Queens, NY.

I decided to go this route because of a few factors. Ive always wanted a sports car with little mods as possible. Coming from a Honda/ Acura background, it wasnt enough to buy a particular car and start adding cosmetic parts to make it look aggressive. It didnt help to upgrade the internal parts for more horsepower.

The last few designs on the honda/ acura cars didnt really say sports rally. My friend recently picked up the 2012 WRX in World Rally Blue. It looked pretty aggressive and was in manual. I didnt know how to drive manual either but I got curious as to what Subaru had to offer.

Ultimately, I ended up picking the STi. It had everything I wanted. The aggressive wide body look, the rear wing spoiler, better suspension and brembo brakes, the BBS Rims are sick! Overall, i never seen anyone drive a red STi on the east coast before so I wanted to be different and go all out Sport Rally. I truly believe you get the most bang for your buck at under $35K.

Since the dealer told me that it would take 6-8 weeks to arrive from Japan, I had to do a few things before it arrived.

1. Sell my 2004 Acura TSX
2. Learn how to drive manual
3. Research for rally parts

I ordered the car on 5/2/2012 and received a VON (Vehicle Order Number) the same day. 8 weeks past by and ended up calling Subaru of America. Guess what happened next?