Will We See a Subaru BRZ STi Performance Vehicle in Australian Car Dealers

For a while there has been a question of whether we will see a Subaru BRZ performance vehicle at local car dealers. Perth Subaru enthusiasts have been keen to see a high performance variant of this popular model. This anticipation has reached a new high, as a performance concept Subaru BRZ STi was revealed at the New York Auto Show.

The performance concept features a race bred, high output and turbo charged 2.0 litre Subaru boxer four cylinder engine. This particular engine is currently used in the BRZ GT300 Subaru race car. This vehicle competes within the Super GT race series in Japan. The estimated output is 225 kW and 450 Nm. It is believed that the engine is currently undergoing a series of durability tests for the racing series, so the potential production version would potentially be different. However, this process is likely to be time consuming, so the current 2.0 litre Boxer engine used in the current BRZ is set to remain unchanged for now. The current engine delivers 147 kW power and 205 Nm torque.

The BRZ concept is considered to showcase the "engineering prowess" and the "tuning capability" offered by the STi. In addition to the engine change, the body, chassis and exhaust systems have come from the performance sub brand.

The changes to the chassis include suspension adjustments and increased body stiffening. The body also features an aggressive front bumper which includes integrated LED lights. Thers is also a massive rear wing made from carbonfibre, which would look stunning on the showroom at any car dealers perth It enthusiasts should also see interior changes including a high tech steering wheel with an integrated ignition button and shift indicator light. There is also bucket seats, Race Widget telemetry and new trim highlights in red.

So, how realistic is it, that this concept could make an appearance in car dealers? Perth experts believe that the change is not likely in the very near future. However, there could be a possibility for a next generation model to feature these changes.

According to Michael McHale, corporate communications manager for Subaru America, there is a possibility that this higher powered version BRZ could be available in the future. McHale was speaking on behalf of Yoshio Hirakawa, President of STI and confirmed that the idea has not been discounted and Mr Hirakawa’s challenge was to assess how changes would make the vehicle feel. The BRZ model has a compact and tight engine bay, so there is a challenge with making changes under the bonney which could affect balance and performance feel. McHale quipped that while some drivers would like the model to have power, if they acted on every criticism the company would be "bankrupt in ten minutes" Therefore, the company needs to balance the feasibility of changes together with customer interest and input.

If you would like to know more about the BRZ or any of the Subaru range contact us. We are an established Perth car dealers, with a wide selection of both new and used Subaru models. Our sales team would be delighted to assist you, so before you visit any car dealers, Perth drivers should speak to us.