BRZ Premium Sport Package Concept
 

Why is the Premium Sport Package Concept not receiving more press? It looks to me like it is basically the BRZ STI - larger brakes, premium interior with presumably more horsepower. This is exactly the car many of us have been waiting for. But it doesn't even seem to have many blog posts out in the world or even its own thread on here - comments are just mixed in with some of the other TAS threads.

Anyone know why it has been largely ignored? I want Subaru to know that some of us out here love the concept and will be happy to pay $35K+ for it. I even like the fact that they left off the wing.

Probably because no official information has been released. No hp numbers (if any change at all), is it just a concept or will it be available (specifically in NA)...if so, price? When? Etc.

Nothing has been confirmed, so what is really to say?

I guess I was just surprised it didn't get on most of the blogs. That concept has a bit more weight than most of the tuner one-offs at TAS.

I would also say the concept does propose styling for the aero bits, along with the idea that the car could get a nicer interior to go with the increased performance.

Those aero parts are already available, and I would say the interior is not much better, as it is more just a one off spiffed up standard interior (full leather seats and matching accents, and stitched alcantara dash). Rims and brakes are readily available in the aftermarket. So unless this were to come with a big power boost, it's really just a few cosmetic mods that anyone could do now.

I realize that anyone *could* do those mods now. But there are a variety of good reasons for wanting to buy an STI over modding a standard car:

1. Not paying for crappy brakes, wheels, etc., that are just going to be replaced
2. Getting the benefit of OEM volume on the upgraded parts. An OEM STI package is cheaper than buying all that stuff yourself.
3. Having suspension correctly tuned for the wheel size, tires, etc.. OEMs can afford to do far more iterations and testing than individuals.
4. Resale value of an STI vs. a modded car
5. Rolling everything into a single package vs. a months-long purchasing and installation process
6. Possible weight reduction that can only reasonably done at the factory. Carbon fiber roofs, increased use of high-strength steel, etc.

Anyway, the point is that a new model is a big deal, whether or not you want to buy one. There were plenty of posts for spy photos with absolutely no specs, so there should be coverage of a real manufacturer concept.

If this was a big deal from Subaru, they would have made it a big deal. This leads me to believe it's just a concept as it's shown, and that your hopes are set very high for this.

But hey, to each their own. If you would pay $35+ for this from the factory that's great. I know I wouldn't. I equate it to no more than an HFP Civic Si (some will like the added factory bits, most won't care, given how much it costs).

I have a feeling the US is not getting the love that other countries enjoy with their cool factory or dealer installed packages (as with the 86). I can see the package you want happening during a mid-cycle refresh or before the generation change to clear inventory. There's nothing stating it won't be available to the US this year; just doesn't seem likely. I agree there's many who would want it but probably not enough to justify sales here. Also remember the US has an STI package only for the WRX whereas Japan offers STI packages across the Subaru lineup. And right now SOA seems intent on maintaining the next WRX STI as their halo performance car. A BRZ STI could cause a marketing rift against the WRX STI, increasing costs for both cars.

And to those auto journalists/people who SWORE factory forced-induction would arrive this year... where is it now? lol

Wow. I never expected this response on here.

First off, Subaru has been seen testing a high performance version on the 'ring for months, so it's not like it is vaporware. Second, it has been acknowledged from multiple sources that it will have more power, even if it is not likely to be turbocharged. Third, the name STI is not the point - it can be called the premium sport package or anything else, but the point remains that it is a car with real brakes, higher horsepower, better suspension, lighter wheels out of the box. Lastly, adding those brakes, aero, an interior, wheels, tires, and likely suspension upgrades in the aftermarket costs way more than $35K, so I don't see why my willingness to spend that much up front is so unreasonable. The FT86 platform is basically the best thing short of a used Cayman in the lightweight sports car category, so I think a lot of folks will be interested in a premium model under $37K, so long as it has all of the above.

In any case, forget I asked. I'm sorry I even posted. I guess people on the BRZ board really are not interested in a concept for a new higher output BRZ. Weird.

No, I completely understand where you're coming from and never said it is unreasonable. A year ago I, too, was adamant about buying a special version package from the factory and not wanting to pay up front for stock wheels, springs, etc. then upgrading to TRD or STI parts later. But it didn't happen for the first year and doesn't seem like it's happening for the 2nd year. For reasons I already stated.

I'm not trying to shoot your hopes down or anything. I'm aware of those spy shots of the kitted white BRZ on the 'Ring (I follow STI very closely). But I don't see its viability in the US market where other higher performing sports cars can be had for MUCH less. It's more of a niche package for those willing to pay. Much like the LFA vs Ferrari 599 argument (599 costs less, performs the same, plus has the legendary badge to boot). Chief engineers of both Toyota and Subaru and the president of STI have stated on the record that no future turbo is in the concept for this car; it is just reserved for special builds like the BRZ GT300. Just stating reality (as I see it). Again, I could be wrong.

And about the non-turbo higher output rumors... none have cited credible sources to back them. I've seen articles talk about a revised intake design, or the article with the white BRZ STI on the 'Ring saying it has a higher output exhaust (with stock JDM tips?). STI already has an exhaust available which doesn't increase power. Just a bunch of auto journalists trying to increase readership with their speculation.

There was one article (I believe from Top Gear) way back before the twins were launched where BRZ chief engineer Masuda-san said tougher valve springs could allow the motor to rev higher for more power. That's the best glimmer of hope I've seen from anything official. But it's a statement of possibility; not set production plans. The engineers must've had a ton of great ideas which later got shot down by production compromises. But those ideas have a path to trickle around production via the TRD/STI tuning arms.

Hmmm - "sports car", so no Mustang/Genesis or FWD/AWD hot hatch, leaving what exactly in the new sports car market at "MUCH less" than $35k?? RX-8 and S2000 gone, MX-5 underpowered, Vette is $50k (say $45k after bargaining as it's an old model), 370Z is $33k.... say $30k in a deal. Nothing from BMW, Porsche, Audi at these price points. So we are down to one, if you consider $30k to be "MUCH less" than $35k.

No need to grasp at straws with semantics. :iono: RX-8 had 4 seats and doors. One can argue anything with a carpeted interior or air conditioning isn't a sports car. Let's not go down that slippery slope and derail this thread. Other better performing cars (sporty, sports, or otherwise) make it hard to justify a BRZ STI package. All this has already been argued in multiple threads. :search:

Speaking of factory packages... RX-7 Spirit R, S2000 Club Racer, Nismo 350Z, C6 Corvette Grand Sport. All came at the end of their generation cycles. Unlike the Nismo 370Z, the BRZ doesn't have long standing success to start offering special editions by its 2nd year since introduction.

This just looks like a BRZ with most of the STI accessories catalog in it. I've checked out a few articles on it and haven't seen any mention of higher power, so I'm not sure where imag is getting that. This is much different from the "STI" version seen on the Ring since it lacks the rear spoiler and a couple other items, and the premium sport has exterior parts the test mule didn't.

If you have a questions first - :search:.

With your post count you have to consider that what ever questions you are asking has already been asked many, many times.

There are multiple Tokyo Auto Salon threads discussing the Premium Concept.
@switchlanez already started a thread dedicated to the BRZ's that were at TAS.

Instead of being thin skinned please take a step back, read and learn.

Thanks for starting a thread on the Premium concept and hopefully we can have some valuable info started in this thread and not what "sources" have been speculating for years now about boost, power, etc.

I just want an Alcantara dash from the factory, muahahaha

:word: It seems like they flocked/covered just about everything with alcantara. It will be interesting to see how much of these "upgrades" actually make it to the A-Line Production model.

Just going to transcribe this over from the other Sport Premium Concept thread...
And from wikipedia...
A package that the US never saw from Subaru and eerily similar to the BRZ package in question (STI kit, automatic transmission, beige interior).

Yep, if this car was 35k I would not have even looked at it, would have went with the 370Z. This car was made to be an entry level easy on the wallet sports car.

If you would read my original post, you would see that I did mention those exact TAS threads. In fact, I searched before I posted here to make sure there wasn't a thread specific to the concept.

And my post count doesn't mean I don't read; it means I don't comment on here because I have not had much to contribute. In this case, I felt like the concept deserved its own thread, and I thought the lack of coverage of the car was interesting. My post count doesn't mean I'm some sort of car forum newb; I have been checking in on this site since the first 86 concept, I have been commenting on the internet since USENET and have frequented a large variety of other car blogs. So please stop making assumptions about how much you need to teach people based on a number next to their name.

I owned a 370Z for two years - added intake, oil cooler, and exhaust, and tracked it. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but ultimately the FM chassis just felt too big to me. That's why I am totally uninterested in the Mustang. I would prefer a 250 horsepower FT-86 to either one. What I would really like is a good used Exige S, but I'm not sure I could afford the upkeep.

Thanks. I am not expecting a turbo - I genuinely think they are not lying when they say it won't fit from an OEM perspective, because crash testing is an issue. However, I do remember reading that they had planned for at least a 20-30 hp increase during the product lifecycle, so there is at least that much in there. My hope is that Subaru, seeing the success of the car, will realize that there is a real niche market for a premium version, and is moving things along quickly to strike while the iron is hot. We will see. In any case, I am not in any hurry, so I am just going to wait for the version I want.

I've read that a few times. Phrases like "according to an inside source" and "expect to see a 20-30 hp bump" come to mind. From what I remember, no official source has ever been cited in regards to that.
I agree now is a good time for Subaru to offer a hi-spec model and swoop in for some quick sales before the launch "bubble" bursts. But it's difficult to pin a price on a higher trim while the market is very unstable (as illustrated below). Drawing up a business proposal based on instability is not sound practice. The only real "news" I've seen based on current trends is they doubled orders for the next 4 months. Seems they intend to keep the status quo for trim levels and milk it (at least in the near term).

I'm buying an STI with no markup at that price. Or if I want a 2 seater then a 370Z or a used Vette/Cayman S.

Ouch! Those BRZ prices are outrageous! I hadn't realized that they were getting milked so completely.

As far as the hp increases, that seems to be just standard for a new engine. Mfrs always start out conservative and leave room for future bumps. I expect the new LT1 in the Corvette to be similar. The only exception seems to be Honda, which comes out with an awesome starting spec and then just leaves it there for years with no upgrade :)

I'm surprised too, looks to me like a teaser of the STi, or at least I hope so! I'll order the day it's announced if it's this car.

No credible sources about increased output (and no specific number). No official announcement about production, release date, or price.

It's vaporware (for now).

It's funny, as a non-brz/frs owner who casually browses this forum, I was wondering the exact same thing.

Well your lack of posts clearly disqualifies you from commenting. ;)

Seriously, though - I would have expected Autoblog to give it an individual post. They post on anything. To me it is clearly a question of when, not if, on a higher output, higher spec car. It doesn't cost much to make a higher-spec derivative, so it's less likely to lose money than cars like the RX-8 or the S2K.

With a higher spec, Subaru pulls in a new set of owners, people with more money who want light weight, but who either can't afford a Cayman or who need the rear seats. I don't have kids now, but I may in a couple years, and I would prefer not to post one of those "just had a baby, must sell" ads.

It's also a question of how far Subaru should space it below the WRX STI and Toyota should space it below the next Supra and how everything fits in the overall lineup. The BRZ is doing surprisingly well, but it's still a relatively low volume compared to both companies' real cash cows. Toyota/Subaru are not in business to build stratified levels of sports cars to please the next tier up or down of sports car buyers like, say, Porsche. It's easily justifiable in our enthusiast world. But I wouldn't call it a "sure thing" unless we know how to run those companies and know enough to make that call.

There's also the complication of Toyota needing to approve whatever change Subaru wants to make to the BRZ with Toyota being the primary stakeholder in this project. Product planning, marketing, manufacturing, and engineering of both companies would have to agree on changes.

That's a big assumption to make. If we're talking more power, the chassis/drivetrain may need to be upgraded (and we don't know which parts, cheap or expensive) to accommodate for it. With that, cost can climb to the same levels which caused Japanese FR sports cars of yesteryear to go extinct. If we are just talking a bolt-on STI package, that may not make for an easily sale-able package for its cost in the US (Japan, maybe).