Subaru’s global marketing manager, Atoshi Atake, has given the biggest hint yet that a BRZ STi will become a reality.
A concept model was released at the LA Motor Show last year and any fans generated from that exercise will gain heart from Atake’s comments to Auto Express: “We have already had many requests from interested customers regarding a faster version. Let me say this—we will certainly satisfy our customers. We are already working on a faster version.”
However, don’t expect the STi version to stray too far from its basic BRZ roots. “We want to keep turbocharging separate. It is for models like the WRX STI,” added Atake. “The same goes for four-wheel drive. We could not make the BRZ four-wheel drive even if we wanted to.”
A peak power figure of 186kW (250hp) is being bandied about for the STi model and represents a sizeable increase from the 147kW in the standard model.
Overall weight would likely be reduced thanks to measures like carbon fibre body panels and racing seats. Usual enhancements such as revised suspension and uprated brakes would complete the package.
[Source: Auto Express]
