Subaru BRZ STI teased

Subaru’s performance arm STI has published the first images of its highly-anticipated BRZ tuning effort, and in the process has sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Though none of the all-important specs were released, we do have some clues as to what to expect.

The STI badges on the front grille and fender vent confirm we’re looking at the latest creation from the men and women at Subaru Technica International.

However, the two teasers published were each named “BRZ tS teaser,” suggesting we’re not looking at a fully-fledged STI model but simply an enhanced version. The tS moniker is short for “tuned by STI” and has previously been applied to regular Subaru models fitted with STI upgrades.

Along with the images, Subaru published the tagline “Purity of Handling.” This ties in with previous reports that claimed STI’s upgrades for the BRZ in this initial round of tuning will be minimal, consisting mainly of aerodynamic mods, lowered suspension and a new wheel and tire package.

Our own spy shots of an alleged BRZ STI model testing at the Nürburgring showed just this, a prototype fitted with STI enhancements already offered for the BRZ in select markets.

Hopefully we’ll see some power mods, as the 149 kilowatt output of the stock BRZ is definitely in need of an upgrade. A high-flow exhaust system on the spied prototype suggests some breathing mods, but forget about any form of forced induction. Subaru is considering a turbocharger for the BRZ but is likely to reserve this for a later version.

Subaru plans to reveal its BRZ STI soon, suggesting we’ll see the car at an upcoming major international auto show. The Japanese automaker has confirmed a world premiere for the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the site of the debut of the original BRZ STI concept car back in 2011, though we could see the automaker hold out for a debut at its home event, the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, taking place that same month. Stay tuned for an update.

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