FHI has registered "BRZ tS" as a United States Trademark

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

I could see what with an entirely new model (AKA BRZ STi), but they have had the tS in Japan for years now. I don't think it's that much of a stretch to think that they would bring the model over here, especially after trademarking the same exact name.


I bet the parts would still be pretty expensive for people looking to upgrade their older models though. Special edition parts from the RS 1.0 and 2.0 are already crazy expensive even though they were sold here in the States.

And many of the RS parts can not even bought (through proper channels) without a VIN anyway.


I think maybe my first comment was a bit too brief to make my thought clear (posting in 2 minute windows can do that). The fact that it is a US trademark is a very good indication that there may be something coming. This I totally agree with. But they could also just be covering their ass since Subaru is well known for holding there names close.
All I was trying to get across is that a simple trademark does not mean anything is happening tomorrow so everybody should not get all excited and start planning on picking up a tS. Hell, it has already spread from a tS to a production BRZ STi possibly on it's way based purely on a comment on this thread! We are our own worst enemies when it comes to making shit up from nothing and then we slam the clickbaits for doing the exact same thing.

[Veloist]

Even if a tS model does not come into the U.S. (which I'm fairly convinced we will get one) I'm sure STI parts will be available for the BRZ. It's part of Subaru's Prominence 2020 plan which is, so far, going well as planned.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Veloist

Even if a tS model does not come into the U.S. (which I'm fairly convinced we will get one) I'm sure STI parts will be available for the BRZ. It's part of Subaru's Prominence 2020 plan which is, so far, going well as planned.

Is it scary that the "Upgrade platforms and power units" section only includes SUV silhouettes?

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

If they make one that does not mean that it will come to the US nor that the parts will be available to everybody even if it does. There are already many hundreds of cars in other markets that never come across for one reason or another and this could be just one more.


My point was, and remains that people make a lot of assumptions based on the skimpiest information. No doubt we will soon see full specs on a car based solely upon the fact two letters were trademarked

True, but the parts have already been in production for years and its no stretch to think they would bring the JDM tS over in one form or another. They already did this (albeit in limited fashion) with the series.blue. Boom, all of a sudden everyone could get the full aero and 17" wheels. I think that sooner or later same thing will happen with something called or close to a tS. Obviously this car would remain NA too.... Look at the Australian market... over there you can get way more STi parts like the draw stiffeners as added options directly from the dealer. The systems are in place, just a matter of when and exactly what form.

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

I could see that with an entirely new model (AKA BRZ STi), but they have had the tS in Japan for years now. I don't think it's that much of a stretch to think that they would bring the model over here, especially after trademarking the same exact name.


I bet the parts would still be pretty expensive for people looking to upgrade their older models though. Special edition parts from the RS 1.0 and 2.0 are already crazy expensive even though they were sold here in the States.

Agreed, Agreed, parts aint cheap, but consider that price for OEM quality as opposed to buying from japanparts and importing, especially given the strength of JPY to USD right now!

[FX86]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

I heard it would be AWD.

and Deisel

[yelsew]

Originally Posted by FX86

and Deisel

Dont forget the hybrid electric drive!


Sent from my Glade Air Freshener

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by ryoma

if they ever drop the WRX motor into the BRZ, that is the day I am selling my car and buying the new one (hopefully it never happens).

and if STI is starting to expand to the states, I would really want to buy the STI front strut tower bar and draw stiffeners without paying like $700 for two items... but who knows, maybe they will keep the prices high for exclusivity.

Originally Posted by kuczynskika

True, but the parts have already been in production for years and its no stretch to think they would bring the JDM tS over in one form or another. They already did this (albeit in limited fashion) with the series.blue. Boom, all of a sudden everyone could get the full aero and 17" wheels. I think that sooner or later same thing will happen with something called or close to a tS. Obviously this car would remain NA too.... Look at the Australian market... over there you can get way more STi parts like the draw stiffeners as added options directly from the dealer. The systems are in place, just a matter of when and exactly what form.



Agreed, Agreed, parts aint cheap, but consider that price for OEM quality as opposed to buying from japanparts and importing, especially given the strength of JPY to USD right now!

Even if the car comes in NA, it is not sure that it'll be a real STI. The current WRX STI sold in NA is more a trim level from Subaru based on the WRX car and not an actual product of the existing small STI (racing) team. They might open up a bit specific parts like the flexible tower bar or the flexible draw stiffeners, but I wouldn't expect to provide a similar car like the JDM BRZ tS. Think about it like the relation between the WRX STI in NA and the WRX STI S207 in Japan. Apples and oranges ...

[nikitopo]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

And many of the RS parts can not even bought (through proper channels) without a VIN anyway.

We are a bit more lucky with STI, because they open their parts catalogues. So, we can see the changes in comparison to the base car and order the majority of these parts from Japan even without a VIN. This is a reason I consider STI to be a more "honest" brand comparing to other ones. I don't like this silo thing, especially if a company decides to sell a limited production car through specific channels. An example that comes to my mind is the 911R ...

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

Only care if tS means "turbo Sport."

nah, it means turboS

as in, sequential twin turbos!!!!!!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by mav1178

nah, it means turboS

as in, sequential twin turbos!!!!!!

Oh damn it. J was right all along!

[why?]

I wonder what took them so long. You'd think they would trademark every official name of a car they've ever done in Japan. Just in case some other company gets cute and steals it for fun.

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

Shieeet.


I might have to trade in my Monogram after all....


This car would have to be at least 35k though, right? That, plus taxes is getting near 40k. So many solid choices for that kind of cash

Why? It doesn't need to be anything too crazy, look at the Japanes tS, not much. Just some aero crap and badges, not too different from the yearly specials we get. Totally underwhelming if you are looking for more performance. Then again, you never know, Subaru mentioned they are playing around with electric superchargers.

Originally Posted by Veloist

Even if a tS model does not come into the U.S. (which I'm fairly convinced we will get one) I'm sure STI parts will be available for the BRZ. It's part of Subaru's Prominence 2020 plan which is, so far, going well as planned.

Originally Posted by FX86

and Deisel

But will you want any of them? Badges, aero parts, trim pieces, etc. Just because they are "STI parts" does not mean they are actual useful performance upgrades, as sad as that is.

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by why?

Why? It doesn't need to be anything too crazy, look at the Japanes tS, not much. Just some aero crap and badges, not too different from the yearly specials we get. Totally underwhelming if you are looking for more performance. Then again, you never know, Subaru mentioned they are playing around with electric superchargers.

The tS is a lot more than just badges and Aero.

[Veloist]

Originally Posted by why?

It doesn't need to be anything too crazy, look at the Japanes tS, not much. Just some aero crap and badges, not too different from the yearly specials we get. Totally underwhelming if you are looking for more performance. Then again, you never know, Subaru mentioned they are playing around with electric superchargers.

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

The tS is a lot more than just badges and Aero.

I know a lot of people can care less about the idea of a car like this but it's mainly because North Americans rarely see car manufacturers focus on this kind of thing.

OEM-tuned cars like the tS series are really intriguing to me mainly because not many Auto Manufacturers prioritize performance oriented-variants of their models in North America. The only carlines I know that are OEM-tuned are NISMO vehicles but Nissans don't appeal to me as much.

The tS would by far be the closest thing to that idea of a specialty-performance variant without being too overkill like the GRMN 86.

I would buy the car if it came in the right color (Pearl White) and with enough suspension and brake upgrades. I'd be happy enough buying an OEM-tuned car because I can emphasize with the research and purpose of the design, and it would make me as a driving enthusiast appreciative of their work.

You can say that kind of appreciation can be felt aftermarket parts but like mentioned, STI essentially works with varieties of these popular brands already.

[why?]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

The tS is a lot more than just badges and Aero.

Honestly? Not really. A few trick braces and some minor tweaks. R&T didn't exactly rave. It is mostly aero and a ton of badges. Oh and overpriced Recaros. Can't forget the labelled seats. lol. Half the changes sound exactly the same as what Subaru did for the 2017 model. Even the reviews of people who said it was better didn't exactly go all out calling it substantially better, just better. They didn't say it was one of the best handling cars they've ever driven, etc. So Subaru can't charge much more for it then they do the series specials, because it doesn't seem to be that much better.

And it isn't about the power, but the lack of massive improvements. It might be 10% better, which ok is better, but seemingly not really even worth the tS badge.

Originally Posted by Veloist

I know a lot of people can care less about the idea of a car like this but it's mainly because North Americans rarely see car manufacturers focus on this kind of thing.

OEM-tuned cars like the tS series are really intriguing to me mainly because not many Auto Manufacturers prioritize performance oriented-variants of their models in North America. The only carlines I know that are OEM-tuned are NISMO vehicles but Nissans don't appeal to me as much.

The tS would by far be the closest thing to that idea of a specialty-performance variant without being too overkill like the GRMN 86.

I would buy the car if it came in the right color (Pearl White) and with enough suspension and brake upgrades. I'd be happy enough buying an OEM-tuned car because I can emphasize with the research and purpose of the design, and it would make me as a driving enthusiast appreciative of their work.

You can say that kind of appreciation can be felt aftermarket parts but like mentioned, STI essentially works with varieties of these popular brands already.

The reviews of the Japanese tS don't exactly make me want it. Now if they focused not just on handling but reducing weight as well it might be better. If reviewers started comparing it to cars we know handle amazingly, then it would be great. But they don't. They just say it is a better handling BRZ.

I agree with you about the special editions and the idea of a sportier sub brand, that can always be good. And maybe I'm expecting too much, but the BRZ tS just seems underwhelming to me. And i don't want more power. I guess the only way to really see how better it is would be to drive it.