One of the biggest Subaru events in America, Boxerfest, is just around the corner, and that means it’s also nearly time for Subaru to reveal a couple of new special editions. These special editions can vary quite a bit in just how special they are. Frequently, they’ve just been limited runs of the WRX and BRZ in a unique color.
Every now and then, though, Subaru gives us something with some real spice, and this year might be one of those.
My What A Big Wing That WRX Has
As tends to be the case, Subaru’s teaser for the limited editions it has in store was light on details. It simply confirmed that both the WRX and BRZ will get limited editions, and that they will be “enthusiast-focused.” Fortunately, the teaser image gives us a little more information. The WRX will be a tS version, a badge that stands for “Tuned by STI.” You can actually get a WRX tS right now, which comes with upgraded brakes, suspension, and seats.
Close-up of the Subaru WRX tS rear endSubaru
The WRX tS in the teaser photo isn’t a standard one, though. It has an enormous carbon fiber rear wing atop the trunk lid. The shape of the wing looks rather like the ones from the BRZ STI Sport Type RA or even the STI S210 prototype. It makes it quite clear that this tS will be more hardcore than the current model. Usually, tS models only get chassis upgrades, though we won’t completely rule out the possibility of some extra power.
Earlier this year, Subaru announced that it would be reintroducing its stronger TY85 six-speed manual from the previous-generation WRX STI, and it has been working on higher-output versions of the WRX’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A special edition would be a great way to introduce the engine. The fact that Subaru hasn’t shown a production high-output WRX for Japan, though, gives us pause with this line of thinking.
Subaru BRZ STI Sport Type RASubaru
What About The BRZ?
We have less to go on with the BRZ simply due to a lack of a teaser. In the same announcement that hinted at more powerful WRX models, Subaru said it would launch an updated version of the BRZ STI Sport Type RA. Apparently it will be lighter than last year’s Type RA. Changes such as lighter parts and chassis upgrades are among the easiest to offer in multiple markets, since they frequently don’t require additional safety and emissions testing. So a light and tight BRZ limited edition would seem plausible for the reveal on September 27.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
We’re really hoping to see some power upgrades to the WRX, and that’s been the case since the announcement earlier this year. While the WRX is plenty of fun and punchy enough as is, we’re longing for a true WRX STI successor. We are prepared for a regular WRX tS with extra goodies, though, and we won’t let that dash our hopes entirely until Subaru says specifically America won’t get a high-output model.
Regardless, we’re glad to see that Subaru is still taking time to give fans of the brand fun, special vehicles.
