BRZ Premium Sport Package Concept

[imag]

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.

[Burrcold]

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?

[imag]

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.

[Burrcold]

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.

[imag]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

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.

[Burrcold]

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).

[switchlanez]

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

[imag]

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.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by imag

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.

[switchlanez]

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.

[Sport-Tech]

But I don't see its viability in the US market where other higher performing sports cars can be had for MUCH less.

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.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by Sport-Tech

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. 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.

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.

[jimbobrand]

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.

[Beyer Subaru]

If you have a questions first - .

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.

Originally Posted by imag

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.