While the Subaru BRZ and its Toyota GT-86 equivalent are two of the most anticipated Japanese sport coupes in recent history, critics have complained that their 145 kW output simply isn’t enough.
In reponse, global marketing manager Atoshi Atake, recently told the UK’s Auto Express, “We have already had many requests from interested customers regarding a faster version. Let me say this – we will certainly satisfy our customers. We are already working on a faster version.”
The BRZ STI should boast about 183 kW, but Subaru will be forced to hit that figure without the aid of a turbocharger or supercharger. Atake says there simply isn’t room under the BRZ’s hood for a turbocharger and a supercharger would drink too much fuel. Instead, Subaru will improve the car’s air intake, add a less-restrictive exhaust, increase the rev limit to 7 500 r/min and revise the variable valve control system for optimised performance.
The STI version will be lighter in weight, too, thanks to racing bucket seats, a carbon fibre bonnet and, potentially, even a carbon-fibre roof. Lighter, 18-inch, alloy wheels will be used and the car will further benefit from upgraded brakes and a stiffer suspension for track day use.
Unfortunately, there’s no timeline on the BRZ STI, and Subaru’s biggest problem at the moment is ramping up production to meet demand. In Japan, Subaru has sold over 3 500 BRZs in the past two months – four times the number it expected to sell.
