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Originally Posted by Mr. Karamatsu
STI is working on finalizing creation of the special version of BRZ, which would be unveiled in "some time" (secret). Turbocharger is NOT in the concept of this greatly balanced FR sports car, so we would concentrate our developments on suspension, handling, performance improvements and sports styling. The turbocharged version of BRZ will remain only in GT300 Championship
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NEWS FLASH, GUYS: They are indeed working on finalizing creation of the special version and it has been no secret to us. The only thing that's "secreit" is when all the parts development will be done. We've been watching its progress for months now. Here is its latest incarnation:
The BRZ STI is simply a showcase of STI parts. It won't be a future model. Why? If they throw these parts on a BRZ from the factory, it'll never sell (not in the US, at least). Evidence? TRD did exactly this with the factory-built TRD GT86 - valued at over $50k+ USD and only sold in quantity 200 in the UK. And they won't even come equipped with every part from the 86's TRD catalog. Global BRZ production is relatively low volume (about 1/5 that of the 86/FR-S/GT86). Toyota is the main stakeholder likely vested with greater authority to call the production shots. So the question then becomes: Will Toyota allow a BRZ STI model?
I believe "STI" as part of a model name is exclusively reserved for the WRX STI (which will breakaway from the Impreza moniker into its own separate model around 2014-ish). It only makes marketing sense. The WRX STI is an all-Subaru gig which Toyota has no direct stake in. Forester and Legacy have had STI parts for several model generations but never was there a special Forester STI or Legacy STI from the factory. I foresee similar treatment with the BRZ. For BRZ STI to happen, the BRZ would have to become Subaru's next cash cow ala Impreza.
For months, I was fully expecting a factory-built BRZ STI would come. But as facts and figures unfolded throughout launch, as the STI site has been systematically releasing "new suspension, handling, performance improvements and sports styling items" to the public every few weeks, and with almost a verbal confirmation from the president, a BRZ STI factory model seems unrealistic to me.
