If you are looking for an affordable sports car that can handle both the road and the track, consider the Subaru BRZ tS. This special edition model features several enhancements from Subaru's performance division, STI. The tS stands for "Tuned by STI," which means that this is not a full-blown STI model with a turbocharged engine and a huge wing. Instead, this is a refined version of the standard BRZ that focuses on improving its already excellent handling and braking capabilities. The tS also adds some cosmetic touches to make it stand out from the rest of the BRZ lineup.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS, including:
- What's new for 2024?
- How much does it cost?
- Is it worth it?
- How does it compare to other sports cars?
What's New for 2024?
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is based on the second-generation BRZ that debuted in 2021. The new BRZ features a bigger and more powerful 2.4-liter flat-four engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 23 hp and 28 lb-ft over the previous generation. The new engine also has a higher redline of 7,000 rpm compared to 6,400 rpm before.
The new BRZ also has a stiffer and lighter body structure, a lower center of gravity, a wider track, and a revised suspension geometry. The result is a more agile and responsive sports car that can tackle corners with ease and precision.
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS builds on these improvements by adding performance-oriented STI upgrades. The most noticeable change is the addition of Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston calipers in the rear, all painted in gold. The brakes are paired with exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels in dark grey metallic, wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
The tS also gets a new suspension system with dampers supplied by Hitachi, tuned by STI to provide optimal balance and stability. The dampers are adjustable in Comfort, Sport, and Track. The tS also has stiffer coil springs, front and rear stabilizer bars, and pillow ball bushings for the rear suspension links.
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS exterior also features some subtle but distinctive changes. The side mirror caps and the shark fin antenna are finished in gloss black, while the front grille has a tS badge. The rear spoiler is also unique to the tS model, featuring an integrated brake light and adjustable angle. The spoiler is designed to reduce lift and improve aerodynamics at high speeds.
The interior of the tS is mostly similar to the standard BRZ sports car but with some exclusive touches. The seats are upholstered in black leather and Alcantara, with red stitching and tS logos on the headrests. The steering wheel, shifter knob, door panels, dashboard, and center console also have red accents. The instrument cluster has a special tS welcome screen and a lap timer function.
The new Subaru BRZ tS sports car also comes with Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system as standard, making it the first manual transmission-equipped BRZ to have this feature. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert.
How Much Does It Cost?
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is available in three colors: Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. The latter is exclusive to the tS model and pays homage to previous STI models' iconic WR Blue color.
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS price has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be higher than the Limited trim level, which starts at $29,945. The previous generation BRZ tS had a limited production run of 500 units and was priced at $34,355, so we can expect something similar for the new model.
The new Subaru BRZ tS will go on sale in early 2024 as a special edition model with no production limits. It will compete with other affordable sports cars, such as the Toyota 86 (which shares its platform with the BRZ), the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Hyundai Veloster N, and the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
Is It Worth It?
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is a tempting proposition for anyone who loves driving and wants a more track-ready version of the BRZ. The tS offers improved braking, handling, stability, and some exclusive styling elements. It also retains the core attributes of the BRZ, such as its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive layout and its engaging manual transmission.
However, the tS is not a radical transformation of the BRZ. It does not have a significant increase in power or torque or a turbocharger or a supercharger. Some enthusiasts may still find the BRZ tS sports car needs more straight-line performance and acceleration. They may also prefer a more aggressive and distinctive look for their sports car.
Ultimately, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is a matter of personal preference. It is a refined and enhanced version of the BRZ that appeals to those who value handling and balance over raw power and speed. It is also a rare and exclusive model showcasing STI's expertise and craftsmanship. The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is worth it for those who appreciate these qualities. For others, the standard BRZ may be enough.
How Does It Compare to Other Sports Cars?
The Subaru BRZ tS is one of the few sports cars that offer a pure and authentic driving experience. It is not loaded with fancy features or technology but rather focuses on delivering a balanced and responsive performance. It is also one of the few sports cars that offer a manual transmission option, which adds to its appeal for purists.
However, the Subaru BRZ tS has its competitors. Here are some of the other sports cars that you might want to compare it with:
- Toyota 86: The Toyota 86 is essentially the same car as the Subaru BRZ, as they are both developed by the same joint venture between Toyota and Subaru. The 86 also has a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and shares the same platform, body, and interior as the BRZ. The main differences are in the two cars' styling, tuning, and branding. The 86 has a slightly different front fascia, rear bumper, and badge than the BRZ. The 86 also has a slightly softer suspension setup than the BRZ, which makes it more comfortable on the road but less sharp on the track. The 86 does not have a tS version like the BRZ, but it has a GR (Gazoo Racing) version with some performance upgrades similar to the tS. The price of the 86 starts at $27,060, which is slightly lower than the BRZ.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of history's most popular and iconic sports cars. It is known for its lightweight, nimble, and fun-to-drive character. The Miata has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, which is less than the BRZ tS, but it also weighs about 500 pounds less than the BRZ tS, which makes it quicker and more agile. The Miata also has a convertible roof option, which appeals to those who enjoy open-air driving. The Miata does not have any special edition models like the BRZ tS. Still, it does have a Club trim level that has some performance enhancements, such as Bilstein shocks, limited-slip differential, front shock tower brace, sport-tuned exhaust, and Brembo brakes. The price of the Miata starts at $26,830, which is lower than the BRZ.
- Hyundai Veloster N: The Hyundai Veloster N is a hot hatchback that offers a lot of performance and value for money. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is much more than the BRZ tS. It also has a front-wheel-drive layout with an electronic limited-slip differential, which makes it more stable and predictable on slippery surfaces than the rear-wheel-drive BRZ tS. The Veloster N also has an adjustable suspension system with five modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and Custom. The Hyundai Veloster N also has some distinctive styling elements, such as a large rear spoiler, red accents, N badges, and dual exhaust tips. The price of the Veloster N starts at $32,250, which is higher than the BRZ tS, but it also offers more power and features. The Veloster N is a good choice for those who want a fast and fun hatchback that can also be practical and comfortable for everyday use.
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost: The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a classic American muscle car that has a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is much more than the BRZ tS. It also has a rear-wheel-drive layout with an independent rear suspension, which makes it more stable and smooth than the previous generation Mustangs. The Mustang EcoBoost also has a variety of options and packages to customize its performance and appearance, such as the Performance Package, the Handling Package, and the High-Performance Package. The price of the Mustang EcoBoost starts at $27,205, which is lower than the BRZ tS, but it can go up significantly depending on the options selected.
As you can see, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS has some strong competitors in the sports car market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The BRZ tS is not the fastest or the most powerful of the bunch, but it is one of the most balanced and purest. It is a car that rewards drivers who appreciate the joy of driving and who are willing to pay a premium for a rare and exclusive model.
Conclusion
The new Subaru BRZ tS is a special edition model with several enhancements from STI, Subaru's performance division. The tS stands for "Tuned by STI," which means this is not a full-blown STI model with a turbocharged engine and a huge wing. Instead, this is a refined version of the standard BRZ that focuses on improving its already excellent handling and braking capabilities. The tS also adds some cosmetic touches to make it stand out from the rest of the BRZ lineup.
