Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ represent one of the most important collaborations in the sports car world. Since 2012, the two Japanese carmakers have given us the most affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupes and one of the very few, proper driver’s cars you can buy today. On 23 June 2023, Subaru introduced a new, sharper version of the Subaru BRZ, following the recently-unveiled Toyota GR86 Trueno edition.
A Subaru BRZ STI is something the brand has been hinting at for some time. There have been two concepts of a Subaru BRZ STI over the years – one from 2011 and another from 2015 – but they never reached production stages. In 2023, we finally get a sharper, STI-tuned version of the popular, rear-wheel-drive coupe. The STI-tuned BRZ foreshadows the end of Toyota and Subaru’s joint venture, and here are the latest developments.
The Last Subaru BRZ Packs More Performance, Courtesy Of STI
Subaru’s announcement from July 17 is pretty straightforward, as it spoke of a “sharper, more focused Subaru BRZ”. The performance-enhanced model made a debut at the 2023 Subie Fest in California. On the surface, the 2024 Subaru BRZ did not score major differences. Those with a keener eye would have seen the red BRZ logo on the headlights, which is a subtle hint that STI sprinkled some magic onto the small coupe. A new feature for 2024 is Subaru's EyeSight safety suite, which previously wasn't available for manual-equipped cars.
As for the actual, performance upgrades, Subaru keeps a tight lip, but Toyota’s GR86 Trueno edition could give us a hint. That one features upgraded SACHS dampers, new 18-inch wheels, and bigger Brembo brakes. We know that the 2024 BRZ features new Hitachi dampers with a unique setup that will make it more fun around the canyons and more compliant on the street.
Unfortunately, there is no mention of any engine upgrades, meaning the 2024 Subaru BRZ continues to offer the familiar, FA24, 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated, flat-four engine. Power output for the BRZ is still rated at 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (249 Nm), although dyno-tests have revealed those numbers to be slightly underrated. The six-speed manual and six-speed automatic also continue to be on offer for 2024.
Toyota And Subaru Go Their Separate Ways
It’s safe to say, the 2024, STI-tuned Subaru BRZ would be the model’s swan song. Toyota is taking its GR86 into a new direction, involving the GR Corolla’s turbocharged inline-three and electrification. In September 2022, we reported on a Toyota GR86 test mule, featuring the G16E-GTS.
Toyota Chief Engineer, Naoyuki Sakamoto, confirmed that the G16-E GTS-equipped Toyota GR86 will compete in the Super Taikyu racing series, which means the car has to undergo homologation. The turbocharged GR86 is expected to debut around 2025, which is expected to coincide with the end of the Subaru BRZ production.
The GR86 and BRZ twins were, both, assembled in Subaru’s Gunma factory, and although the GR86 and BRZ twins will no longer co-exist after 2024, the turbocharged GR86 will still be built in Subaru’s Gunma plant. Still, we are not ruling out a proper BRZ STI just yet.
In 2022, Subaru introduced a custom-built STI Performance model that featured the iconic STI blue with red accents, dark-bronze wheels, and carbon-fiber body kit, including a tall rear wing so, we know a BRZ STI is still on the table likely as a last-year farewell. While we wish for the WRX's turbocharged boxer-four to make its way into the BRZ, it is the GR Yaris' turbo-three that is the more likely candidate.
You Can Bring Your Older BRZ To 2024 Specifications
Since the new performance goodies on the 2024 Subaru BRZ STI-tuned are simple both-ons, you can upgrade your pre-2024 BRZ with the suspension, wheels, and Brembo brakes of the new model. Naturally, the same is true for the Toyota GR86. Chances are, if you own either of them, you may have already modified your car well beyond the factory specifications, but just in case you want to keep things close to stock, these new performance parts should be available to order.