The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS — tuned by STI — is the new pinnacle trim level, sold only with a six-speed manual transmission
Subaru applied a couple of significant STI chassis upgrades to create the 2024 BRZ tS — tuned by STI — for a starting and well-equipped price of $36,465. (Photography by Subaru or as credited)
Table of Contents
BRZ Overview
tS Roots
Pricing
Standard Features
tS Strong
BRZ Styling
Interior Function
BRZ Powertrain
Why Buy the Subaru BRZ tS?
BRZ Specifications
Iknew before upshifting to third gear that the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is a special car. First, it is the steering, how it takes just a jink to change course, and how controlled the wheel rolls through the hands. Close-ratio gear engagement slots with bolt-action. Then, the quickness of the throttle blip and the eager punch of the boxer four-cylinder has a 7,000-rpm redline. And then there is that all-knowing enthusiast’s smile when exercising a rascal.
This latest chapter in the legacy of the Subaru BRZ is the tS — tuned by STI. The pinnacle trim level is sold only with a six-speed manual transmission, and the same rear-wheel drive and a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter engine as the other two BRZ trim levels, Limited and Premium.
Hallmarks of the BRZ tS include an STI-tuned suspension and Brembo braking. And for the first time, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard with a manual transmission.
The 2024 BRZ tS driver area is hands-on and heads-up.
Subaru BRZ Overview
Since the first BRZ launched in 2012 as a 2013 model, it garnered rave reviews, but most critics wanted more power. The first-generation BRZ was basically a badge-engineered model of the Scion FR-S. And when the Scion brand died in 2016, Toyota adopted it as the 86, or “eight-six” to purists; now designated GR86. (In 2008, Toyota bought 16.5 percent of Fuji Heavy Industries, which includes the Subaru automotive brand.)
With its 200-hp, 2.0-liter engine (205-hp for automatic-equipped models), the first BRZ was a tepid performer that looked faster than it was.
That all changed with the redesigned and re-engineered second-generation 2022 BRZ. Subaru introduced the 2.4-liter engine — the gear-changer that transformed the BRZ from a “sporty” car to a sports car.
Moving the BRZ to the Subaru Global Platform gave the car a 50-percent boost in twisting stiffness. Stiffer is better for more responsive turn-in and throttle steering control.
With the redesign, the new body was made lighter by an aluminum roof, front fenders, and hood. With the reduced body weight, the center of gravity is now lower than the first-gen model, Subaru says — putting the BRZ on par with hyper-cars.
Front sport seats hold the driver without intruding on entry or exit.
BRZ tS Roots
In 2013, a Subaru STI enhanced BRZ tS — Subaru Tecnica International — debuted in Japan. According to Wikipedia, the Japanese market BRZ tS also had an optional GT package of Recaro seats, black BBS wheels, and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. In 2015, Subaru released another 300 BRZ tS models.
In 2018, the BRZ tS came to the U.S. with a limited run of 500 cars. This run had a selection of STI-tuned suspension upgrades but with the same 205-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
A Subaru BRZ has always been irreverent fun to drive, but today, the 228-hp 2024 BRZ tS is the best version yet, with power, balance, and grit. But could there be more factory modifications to come? Could there be a more advanced BRZ? Subaru won’t say, but there are many more Subie STI performance parts available for most Subaru models in these online wishbooks: Subaru.com and STI.jp.
6.3 cubic feet of space, expandable by folding the back seat. (Mark Maynard)
2024 Subaru BRZ Pricing
2024 Subaru BRZ models are sold in three trim levels: Premium ($31,315), Limited ($33,815), and tS ($36,465). The BRZ tS builds on the features of the Limited model. Starting prices are for manual-equipped cars and include the $1,120 freight charge from Gunma, Japan.
Gentle driver, start the engine.
There are seven no-cost paint colors. The Premium and Limited models have interiors of black and red Ultrasuede and leather. (Premium and Limited models have the choice of a six-speed automatic transmission, $950). The tS interior is black with blue Ultrasuede and leather.
No packages are offered for any BRZ model, but there is a range of accessories. A tempting accessory is the STI aluminum and leather shift knob, but it is pricey at $215.
BRZ Features
- Torsen limited-slip differential.
- Keyless access with push-button start.
- LED headlights (low and high beam) with automatic height adjustment.
- Vehicle stability control with Track Mode.
- Incline start assist.
- Center console storage box with dual USB-A input and charge ports and auxiliary input jack.
Upgrades to the BRZ tS include:
- Heated power side mirrors.
- Upgraded audio system with a two-channel amplifier and two additional speakers.
- Blind-spot detection with lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Steering responsive headlights.
- Starlink Safety and Security.
Get a grip.
A more complete list of BRZ equipment is highlighted in the specs box below.
Get current Subaru BRZ pricing here.
And look for special Subaru offers here.
According to Automotive News, there are at least two more years of life in this generation of BRZ. It is not due for a freshening until 2026, along with the Toyota GR86.
tS Strong
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS builds on everything enthusiasts loved about this generation BRZ but with a little more edge.
Hitachi dampers, STI-tuned front and rear. These specialized shock absorbers help wring out the BRZ’s light weight, low center of gravity, and 53/47 front/rear weight balance.
18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and gold Brembo brake calipers.
Brembo brakes. This high-performance braking system, with electric vacuum pump assist, improves stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. The Brembos upsize the stock BRZ brake system with 12.8-inch vented rotors front, and 12.4-inch vented rotors rear. Stock BRZ brakes have 11.6-inch vented front discs with dual-piston floating calipers. Stock rear rotors are 11.4-inch ventilated disc, single-piston floating calipers.
The Brembo system includes:
- Gold-painted four-piston front calipers.
- Gold-painted two-piston rear calipers.
- Larger pads and rotors.
18-inch wheel and tire package. The wheels in a dark gray finish are an inch taller than the base BRZ and are mounted with 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which have a lower profile than the base BRZ, 215/45. Michelin categorizes the Pilot Sport 4 as a summer performance tire, but I felt confident pushing the BRZ on wet roads. The corner-holding Michelins have a soft treadwear rating of 320 and a tread warranty of 30,000 miles, max. Replacement tires are not ridiculously expensive at about $265 each.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. It is now standard equipment on any Subaru model with manual transmission for the first time. The advanced safety system includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert. Standard BRZ safety features include:
- Seven air bags.
- Blind-spot detection with lane change assist.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- High beam assist.
- Hill-start assist.
Subaru BRZ Styling
The tidy coupe design cuts through the air with a low and wide stance. The front mug is set off by large functional air intakes and a low grille capped by prominent fender arches that allow just enough room for suspension points.
Other exterior cues that identify the BRZ tS:
- tS badging in the front grille and on the rear decklid;
- Side mirrors (power and foldable) and roof-mounted shark fin antenna in a Crystal Black Silica finish.
- Gold Brembo brake calipers.
BRZ Interior Function
Settle into the cockpit, and you will notice functional roominess for a subcompact coupe. Headroom of 37 inches will be limiting to some, but a 6-foot-6 friend had no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel. Sightlines are surprisingly open for such a low and swoopy body style.
Inside, the BRZ tS cabin is wrapped in black upholstery with tS-only contrasting blue stitching on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake boot. There is no wireless phone charging, but the center console box has dual USB-A input, charge ports, and an auxiliary input jack.
The 2+2 space is tight but helpful when needed. (Mark Maynard)
Front sport seats have a blue leather stripe down the upper center of the seatback and on the seat cushion. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has redundant audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth controls. Subaru applies suede-like Brin Naub along the gauge hood (instrument panel visor) and door trim. The red starter button is emblazoned with the STI logo, and the customizable 7-inch digital instrument cluster has red tS elements.
Back seat space is a mere suggestion. Technically, there are 29.9 inches of legroom, but that becomes zero-inches with any occupant in the front seats. But fold the seatback, and there is about 5 feet in length for sports gear.
2024 BRZ tS Powertrain
The 2024 BRZ tS is powered by a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter (naturally aspirated) Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine. The FA24 engine has direct and port injection and horizontally opposed “boxer” cylinders. Engine torque of 184 foot-pounds peaks at 3,700 rpm, easily manipulated with the accelerator.
The close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is light, which eases leg and foot stress when commuting — not that most buyers of this car would rack up distance commutes on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. The transmission includes a Track Mode for reduced traction control, and a TCS Off switch.
A low curb weight of 2,850 pounds makes the most of 228 horsepower. Compared to the first-gen model, the 2024 BRZ with manual transmission is just 88 pounds heavier.
At speed on the highway, the BRZ is a maelstrom of sounds. There is a rush of road noise and wind noise. But this is a sports car, and the rage of sounds can be forgiven. Tach it up, and revs in the higher rpms start speaking in enthusiast’s tongues.
The BRZ tS has fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 mpg combined, using the required premium fuel. I worked up to at least 29 mpg on the highway.
Subaru’s 228-horsepower 2.4-liter FA24 “boxer” four-cylinder engine.
Why Buy the Subaru BRZ tS?
You could spend twice as much, or even 3 times as much, for a sports car and not enjoy it more than owning the BRZ tS. And maintenance costs will be far less than any European competitor.
Unlike some high-strung performance coupes, the BRZ is an everyday driver that does not extract a pound of muscle pain upon entry or exit. It is an engineering asset that the car’s front chin is not prone to scraping at every dip or driveway. And the turning circle is a tidy 35.4 feet.
The BRZ has honest integrity and simplicity that are not convoluted with electronic interventions. It is built for fun, and the BRZ lets it rip with precision.
Large fenders and a wide track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance.
Subaru BRZ tS Specifications
Body style: subcompact 2+2 coupe; aluminum hood, front fenders, and roof; rear-wheel drive
Engine: 228-hp FA24 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with direct and port injection and horizontally opposed “boxer” cylinders; 184 lb.-ft. torque at 3,700 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual with Torsen limited-slip differential; vehicle stability control with Track Mode and traction control off switch
Fuel economy: 20/27/22 mpg city/hwy/combined manual transmission; premium fuel required
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
Trunk space: 6.3 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 37/41.5 inches
Rear head/leg room: 33.5/29.9 inches
Length/wheelbase: 167.9/101.4 inches
Width/height: 69.9/51.6 inches
Minimum road clearance: 5.1 inches
Curb weight: 2,850 pounds
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: Keyless entry-locking with push-button start, leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed upholstery with blue contrast stitching, STI-design 7-inch LCD configurable digital gauge cluster with Normal and Track modes and red metallic accents, Starlink 8-inch multimedia plus digital screen, 8-speaker audio system, power (heated) side mirrors, leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel (with integrated cruise, Bluetooth, display, and audio controls), manual tilt-telescoping steering column, welcome lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, glove box with 12-volt power outlet, sun visors with covered vanity mirrors, bottle holder in door panels, LED steering responsive headlights, trunk spoiler, Crystal Black Silica-finished side mirrors
Safety features include: 7 air bags (front, seat-mounted front-seat side pelvis/torso, side curtain, driver’s knee bag), blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, hill-start assist
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane departure, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel discs with electric vacuum pump assist; 12.9-inch vented discs with 4-piston front Brembo calipers; rear, 12.4-inch vented discs with Brembo 2-piston calipers; brake assist
Steering: electric power assist quick-ratio rack and pinion
Tires-wheels: 18-inch 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance (w/tire-repair kit); dark gray metallic finish wheels 18 inch by 7.5-inch wide
Suspension: 4-wheel independent. Front, Hitachi MacPherson-type dampers with coil springs, lower L-arms, stabilizer bar, strut tower brace, and anti-dive geometry; rear, Hitachi double-wishbone dampers with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and anti-lift geometry
PRICING
Base price: $36,465, including $1,120 freight charge; price as tested $36,465
Options on test vehicle: none
Where assembled: Gunma, Japan
Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain.
