2014 Subaru BRZ STI coming with power and performance upgrades

The new 2014 Subaru BRZ with STI badging has been seen testing at Germany’s famed Nurburgring track for some time now which confirmed its existence. But it hasn’t been known what upgrades the new BRZ STI would get to improve performance. Motor Authority is reporting that the new 2014 BRZ STI will get substantial upgrades over the base BRZ and will be coming here to the U.S. next spring. It looks like Subaru is wrapping up testing of the new BRZ STI and is getting ready to launch the sports car first in Japan, then in Europe and the U.S. shortly thereafter.

Power and performance upgrades

When the BRZ STI concept made its debut in Los Angeles last year, Subaru global Marketing Manager Atoshi Atake told Auto Express, “We can develop the engine’s intake system; there is certainly room for improvement there.” While we have reported here about the new 2014 BRZ getting a turbo version, it looks like the new BRZ STI will not be turbocharged. With the small engine compartment on the BRZ, there may not be enough room to fit the large intercooler. At least for now, the turbo BRZ STI will have to wait.

According to Motor Authority, what we can expect is upgrades to the intake system on the 2.0-liter boxer engine that is reported to bump the horsepower from the current 200 hp to around 220-230 horsepower. That will be a significant improvement and will have an immediate impact on how the BRZ performs. Subaru engineers were able to get the additional horsepower by making adjustments to the dual active valve control system. The maximum rpm’s could also be raised past the current 7,500 rpm limit.

Other performance improvements will come with the new BRZ STI being fitted with a new free flowing exhaust system which will improve exhaust flow and reduce back pressure. This should also improve the sound of the exhaust note along with improving overall performance.

Additional suspension upgrades

The new 2014 BRZ STI will also get additional suspension tweeks to compliment the increase in power. Subaru will likely change the springs and dampers to give the suspension better control in the corners with the extra horsepower. We can also look for an upgrade from the current 17-inch wheels to 18-inch wheels with summer high-performance tires for better grip. The brakes will also get upgraded four-piston STI performance brakes. Subaru has been testing the engine/suspension combination at Germany’s Nurburgring track and making final adjustments.

The 2014 BRZ STI will stay with the current rear-drive setup and won’t be getting the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive. This will keep the two-door coupe a true sports car that it was designed to be. Outside, the BRZ STI will feature a modified grille, a large rear wing, special side skirts and a front lip spoiler. Inside, the STI model will come with more supportive racing seats with STI badging.

The all-new 2014 Subaru BRZ STI is expected to arrive here in the U.S. in the spring and could see a price increase of $3,200 over the base BRZ. While we were hoping for a turbocharged 2014 BRZ, the STI power and suspension upgrades are certainly substantial and should make the BRZ STI a nice performer.