2018 Subaru BRZ

2018 BRZ Photos
 Editors' Pick
Autoblog Rating
7

This is a fantastically balanced, driver-focused coupe in search of a little more power and some interior and technological refinement.

Industry
8
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — When we went to California to drive the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, the Japanese automaker let us have a crack at another tuned model, the 2018 BRZ tS. The extra letters standing for "tuned by STI," the folks at Subaru Technica International gave a warming-over to the company's sole rear-wheel-drive offering. Interestingly, the entire 2018 BRZ lineup benefits from having the tS at the top of the pack. One of the improvements for the STI-tuned version is increased chassis rigidity. To account for the added stress on the body from its 18-inch wheels — the first time wheels that large have been offered on the BRZ — the frontend rear bulkheads were strengthened. That extra support makes its way into every BRZ, though, not just the tS. Special equipment with the tS special edition Exclusive to the tS are a number of other parts to provide more responsive handling. Lift the hood, and you'll find the BRZ's usual strut tower braces bolted diagonally to the cowl in the engine compartment. This V-Bar, as Subaru refers to it, includes a pillow ball on each brace that helps keep maintain rigidity while reducing vibrations. Subaru also claims this STI-proprietary technology reduces yaw rates and quickens the response to steering inputs. Additionally, flexible draw stiffeners link the front suspension crossmember to the front sub-frame to further improve response to driver inputs. At the corners, the BRZ tS's lightweight 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, selected by Subaru after "extensive" testing with the STI chassis tuning. Hiding behind the 15-spoke rims are a set of Brembo brakes borrowed from the BRZ Performance Package. Tying it all together is a set of STI-tuned springs and Sachs dampers, which reduce roll by 18 percent and pitching by 15 percent. Visually, the BRZ tS gets some functional aerodynamic enhancements, as well as some design cues to set it apart aesthetically. Up front is an underspoiler to reduce lift, and STI Cherry Blossom Red accents around the grille. In the rear, it gets an underspoiler, a bumper cover with more red accents, plus a dramatic dry carbon rear wing. That big bench, like that on the WRX STI Type RA, is adjustable to two positions to achieve the right balance between drag and downforce. Subaru says it's effective at speed over 50 miles per hour. Also on the exterior, it gets front and rear tS badging, black mirror covers and a black roof antenna. The fog lights are gone, replaced by STI fog light covers. Like the STI Type RA, the BRZ tS is limited to three paint color options: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Inside, the black leather and Alcantara upholstery features red stitching and the tS logo embroidered on the seat backs. Red seat belts match the Cherry Blossom Red accents found throughout the interior. The tS gets its own instrument cluster, complete with a multifunction display borrowed from the BRZ …
Full Review
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — When we went to California to drive the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, the Japanese automaker let us have a crack at another tuned model, the 2018 BRZ tS. The extra letters standing for "tuned by STI," the folks at Subaru Technica International gave a warming-over to the company's sole rear-wheel-drive offering. Interestingly, the entire 2018 BRZ lineup benefits from having the tS at the top of the pack. One of the improvements for the STI-tuned version is increased chassis rigidity. To account for the added stress on the body from its 18-inch wheels — the first time wheels that large have been offered on the BRZ — the frontend rear bulkheads were strengthened. That extra support makes its way into every BRZ, though, not just the tS. Special equipment with the tS special edition Exclusive to the tS are a number of other parts to provide more responsive handling. Lift the hood, and you'll find the BRZ's usual strut tower braces bolted diagonally to the cowl in the engine compartment. This V-Bar, as Subaru refers to it, includes a pillow ball on each brace that helps keep maintain rigidity while reducing vibrations. Subaru also claims this STI-proprietary technology reduces yaw rates and quickens the response to steering inputs. Additionally, flexible draw stiffeners link the front suspension crossmember to the front sub-frame to further improve response to driver inputs. At the corners, the BRZ tS's lightweight 18-inch wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, selected by Subaru after "extensive" testing with the STI chassis tuning. Hiding behind the 15-spoke rims are a set of Brembo brakes borrowed from the BRZ Performance Package. Tying it all together is a set of STI-tuned springs and Sachs dampers, which reduce roll by 18 percent and pitching by 15 percent. Visually, the BRZ tS gets some functional aerodynamic enhancements, as well as some design cues to set it apart aesthetically. Up front is an underspoiler to reduce lift, and STI Cherry Blossom Red accents around the grille. In the rear, it gets an underspoiler, a bumper cover with more red accents, plus a dramatic dry carbon rear wing. That big bench, like that on the WRX STI Type RA, is adjustable to two positions to achieve the right balance between drag and downforce. Subaru says it's effective at speed over 50 miles per hour. Also on the exterior, it gets front and rear tS badging, black mirror covers and a black roof antenna. The fog lights are gone, replaced by STI fog light covers. Like the STI Type RA, the BRZ tS is limited to three paint color options: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Inside, the black leather and Alcantara upholstery features red stitching and the tS logo embroidered on the seat backs. Red seat belts match the Cherry Blossom Red accents found throughout the interior. The tS gets its own instrument cluster, complete with a multifunction display borrowed from the BRZ …
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Retail Price

$25,595 - $33,495 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L H-4
MPG Up to 21 city / 29 highway
Seating 4 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd man w/OD
Power 205 @ 7000 rpm
Drivetrain rear-wheel
Curb Weight 2,789 - 2,798 lbs
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