As brilliant as the Subaru BRZ was when it arrived for 2013, enthusiasts couldn’t help but salivate over the idea of a more potent STI model with a turbocharged engine and even better handling. Sadly, five model years later, no such car has surfaced. But that’s not to say Subaru is leaving fans of its rear-wheel-drive sports coupe completely out in the cold. Enter the 2018 BRZ tS. The tS, which means “tuned by STI,” can be looked at as an STI Lite. There are plenty of handling improvements, but the tS is void of drivetrain enhancements. Peek under the hood and you’ll find the same 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine as in every other BRZ, pushing out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available, and the tS is said to return 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Compared to other BRZ models, the tS gets unique, 15-spoke wheels, a honkin’ two-position carbon fiber wing, STI lip spoiler, new side rockers and Cherry Blossom Red accents on the front grille and rear bumper. The coupe’s foglights also get deleted in favor of a mesh-pattern cover. And of course, there are tS badges. Inside, red accents adorn the bolsters on the leather and Alcantara seats. There’s a tS logo embroidered in the front seat backs, and contrasting red seat belts are a nice touch. The biggest change inside the decidedly spartan cabin is Subaru’s updated Starlink infotainment… [Read full story]
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