√2024 Subaru BRZ tS unveiled in the US, plans for Australia unclear

The Subaru BRZ has gained its first high-performance edition since the current model was unveiled two and a half years ago, but it is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS has been revealed for the US – with suspension and brake enhancements, and subtle visual changes – but an Australian arrival is yet to be confirmed.

The tS moniker is short for ‘tuned by STI’ – referencing the Subaru Tecnica International high-performance division – and was used on top-of-the-range versions of the original BRZ from 2017 to 2021.

Subaru Australia is yet to confirm the new model for Australian showrooms, promising more details on the broader model-year 2024 BRZ range – which is set to add key advanced safety technology to manual models – in “due course”.

The latest edition is no certainty for Australia – at least in the guise shown at a ‘Subiefest California’ owner event in the US over the weekend – as North American and Australian versions of the old BRZ tS were not identical in specification, despite being built in the same Japanese factory.

Whereas the previous BRZ tS was a limited-run model in the US, the new version will be a permanent member of the range. The Australian version was always a full-time offering.

Headlining the upgrades are Brembo performance brakes with larger pads and discs, and four-piston front and two-piston rear gold calipers – plus recalibrated “STI-tuned” suspension with Hitachi dampers.

Reports suggest the upgraded suspension gains cast-iron suspension knuckles from the related Toyota GR86 – replacing the BRZ’s aluminium units – aimed more closely at race-track use.

However visual changes are minimal – and the new BRZ tS lacks the aerodynamics kit of its predecessor, with a front splitter, different 18-inch STI wheels, and depending on market, a low-rise rear spoiler (Australia) or tall rear wing (USA).

The 18-inch wheels are unchanged from the regular car, wrapped in carry-over Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Visual differences are limited to BRZ tS badging on the front grille and boot lid, black door mirror caps and roof antenna, and the gold brake calipers.

Inside, there is black suede and leather upholstery with blue stripes and stitching, which spreads to the steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake. STI logos feature in the instrument cluster and on the engine start button.

There are no changes to the engine, which remains a 2.4-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder sending 174kW and 250Nm to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox is not available in the tS.

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is due in US showrooms next year.

“We don’t have any specific news to share about the recently unveiled model at Subiefest California. Stay tuned for more information about the MY24 Subaru BRZ Australian specification, which will be released in due course,” a Subaru Australia spokesperson said in a media statement.

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