If you’re searching for speed for speed’s sake, this isn’t it. But if you’re a driving enthusiast who loves to learn about what makes a car perform just right, the Subaru BRZ tS is built with your delight in mind. Subaru engineers didn’t enhance this performance coupe with extra pony power but instead turned the Subaru BRZ tS into a superior handling, braking, and communicating driving experience – thanks to the STI-tuned suspension, Brembo performance brakes, rear-wheel-drive, and six-speed transmission.
On the inside, the BRZ tS gets a naturally aspirated 2.4L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. With its horizontally opposed engine layout, the BRZ can keep a low centre of gravity and a stable feeling as it shifts direction.
Available with rear-wheel drive and a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. When you need to go, you want to go now. Power is delivered to the rear wheels, with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to apportion available traction between them on corner exit. No joke.
The tS is rated at 20 MPG city/27 MPG highway and takes premium unleaded. This is not a car that puts fuel economy first; it aims to put the driver in touch with the engine and the road.
The biggest distinction is its chassis and braking equipment. Subaru equips this trim with STI-tuned dampers and a Brembo performance braking system featuring:
These components give the BRZ tS a more performance-oriented foundation than the standard Limited. The suspension is tuned for handling response, while the upgraded brakes provide hardware suited to repeated demanding stops. Summer performance tires are designed for warm-weather grip, so Plano owners should consider suitable tire options and driving conditions when temperatures drop.
These features provide a more sport-oriented platform for the tS than a standard Limited. Handling-focused suspension tuning and high-quality brakes expected of a performance-based vehicle will come standard. Summer performance tires come equipped on the Plano tS to take advantage of warm weather grip, but drivers will want to investigate appropriate tires for winter use.
The cabin carries the tS identity through Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seating surfaces with contrast blue stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter with contrast blue stitching, and an STI-design 7-inch digital gauge cluster. The tS-specific configurable Normal, Sport, and Track displays allow the driver to tailor how they want to monitor vehicle info during different types of driving.
The Subaru Multimedia Plus touchscreen measures 8 inches and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Multi-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an eight-speaker audio system bring convenience to your daily drive. Safety features are provided with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
The Limited and tS both get the same engine output and rear-wheel-drive architecture, but the two serve different purposes. The Limited is available with a manual or an automatic and has a softer suspension. The BRZ tS is only available with a manual, and it adds STI-tuned dampers, Brembo brakes, and some unique detailing and performance upgrades. The tS is the more performance-oriented of the two, with a better-sorted chassis.
Though performance is a major selling point for the latest models of the BRZ, buyers should remember that performance is subjective. Some drivers want powertrain comfort and convenience features, and some prefer tuning adjustments to their brakes, suspension, and steering along with the engagement of a manual gearbox. Ewing Subaru of Plano helps North Texas shoppers learn more about the BRZ models.
What is the difference between the Subaru BRZ tS and the standard BRZ Limited?
The tS is all about performance hardware and doesn’t add extra power to the engine. It features STI-tuned suspension dampers, Brembo four-piston front and dual-piston rear brakes, unique 18-inch wheels, and a manual-only transmission. Both trim levels generate 228 horsepower from a 2.4-liter BOXER engine. The Limited version is available with an automatic transmission and is designed for those who want an all-around performer.
Is the BRZ tS powerful enough for track usage?
As previously stated, the BRZ tS has the same NA 2.4-liter 228hp, 184 lb.-ft. Engine as the other 2.4L BRZ. What makes it special is the combination of RWD, a limited-slip differential, STI-tuned dampers, and Brembo brakes. While not what we’d consider a monster, the sum of these parts is what provides a performance-first platform at the track. That’s not to say the driver can ignore the safety checks for the track, such as oil and water temps and brake/tire monitoring.
Is the Subaru BRZ tS a nice daily driver?
Yes, although its suspension and tires are tuned more for sport than for everyday comfort. Its interior is well-equipped with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, and smartphone connectivity. With a lower ride height and a stiffer chassis, the interior may feel harsh on some streets near Plano, and this isn’t the best trim for all customers based on your daily commutes and other factors.
Does the BRZ tS only come with a manual?
Subaru views the tS as a performance model centered on driving, and its six-speed close-ratio manual transmission is part of the tS experience. It provides drivers with a gear selection that emphasizes their control over engine response through the shift lever. The Subaru tS does not have an automatic transmission option, like the BRZ Limited. If you prefer paddle shifters or automatic ease of use for your commute around Plano, you may want to compare it to the Limited.
What safety and technology features does the BRZ tS have?
Eye Sight Driver Assist Technology on the BRZ tS includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and more. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard. Up front, the 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is complemented by a digital gauge cluster that can be switched between Normal, Sport, and Track modes. All driver-assistance features are designed to assist attentive drivers and not replace them.
