Subie Snacks: 2024 Subaru BRZ gets hotted-up tS variant

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It’d be difficult to argue the BRZ-GR86 twins are anything but performance-oriented, what with a low-cut coupe silhouette, rear-wheel-drive, and a snick-snick manual transmission. Still, the Exploding Galaxy marque is insisting it’s upped the ante with this new tS trim of its BRZ.

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Headlining the changes is news that speed freaks at STI skunkworks have been given free rein to fettle the BRZ’s suspenders. The new tS trim comes equipped with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers, said to maximize the car’s holy duo of light weight and low center of gravity. Subaru doesn’t provide comparative skidpad or handling numbers, but insists these changes result in better control and stability when the car is flogged on a track at high speeds. Given the standard car’s propensity for grin-inducing fun, we are looking forward to testing these claims.

A high-performance Brembo-branded braking system includes four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, all painted gold to match your vape pen. Pads and rotors grow in size, helping to enhance stopping power and more easily dispatch with fade. Anyone who’s spent time on a track knows these changes can reduce lap times, even if there is no extra horsepower in the offing.

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At each corner you will find 18-inch wheels mounted with 215-section Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. Speaking of power, we’ll take this opportunity to remind you these things are hauled along by a 2.4L naturally aspirated boxer-four making 228 horses.

On the safety front, this model marks the first time Eyesight has been offered on any Subaru model with a manual transmission. This is the suite of safety tech includes the likes of adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, and lane-departure warnings. This change isn’t limited to the tS; all 2024 BRZ models equipped with a stick will include Eyesight as standard equipment.

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If you’re playing spot-the-difference, look for tS badging in the front grille and on the rear deck lid, plus side mirrors and a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna in a black finish. Inside the cabin are some touches specific to the tS, including contrasting blue stitching on the front seat bolsters; and some leather-wrapped touch-points. Another accent of the same hue spears its way across the seats.

This past June saw the BRZ enjoy its best-ever sales month in Canada, when 180 units found new homes. Year-to-date, the company has sold almost 25,000 vehicles in this country. Pricing for the new 2024 Subaru BRZ tS will be announced later this year.