If you own one of Subaru’s driver-focused BRZ’s, you know it packs a lot into a small and affordable package. The carmaker recently unveiled the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS at Subiefest in California featuring upgrades that instantly elevate it to the top of the sub-$50,000 sports car crop.
The lightweight tS takes an often top-rated and highly sought-after car and improves it via a top-level trim that sits above the Premium and Limited specifications. Unlike the previous generation, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is not production limited to 500 units.
tS stands for “Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI),” Subaru’s performance division. “More” is the keyword surrounding the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS.
New wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires keep the sub-3,000 pound tS glued to the road and are assisted by Hitachi dampers. The tS from 2018 utilized Sachs suspension from Germany, whereas those currently used are built to STI’s specs. Subaru notes the “STI tuned” suspension to be the most notable feature of the tS, translating to even more enjoyment during those weekend drives.
Mounted to the Pilot Sports are 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a set of gold Brembo 4-piston-front and 2-piston-rear calipers clamp down to 12.8-inch rotors in front and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear. It’s a 1.2- and 1.0-inch increase, respectively, when compared to Toyota’s GR86, a vehicle riding on the same platform, and other BRZ trims.
The BRZ is also the first Subaru with a manual transmission to come with the automaker’s EyeSight driver assistance. Such technology keeps drivers centered in their lanes and has previously been exclusive to vehicles with automatics and CVTs.
Scrutinizing the cabin reveals subtle changes for the tS that go beyond its predecessors. Red contrasting colors found on other BRZ trims are switched out for blue stitching and a blue center stripe running down the seat back. If buyers so choose to opt for an exterior paint job other than the launch specification, this blue interior trim does not change. STI badging also makes its way inside and can be found on the engine Stop/Start button and is displayed on the digital gauge cluster upon startup.
Power output is always always a BRZ issue; the smaller car has never been known to tear up drag strips. The 228-horsepower, 2.4-liter boxer-four powering all BRZ trims remains unchanged, meaning still no turbocharger enthusiasts desire. A six-speed manual, the only transmission available for the tS, helps make up for what it lacks in power.
Designers at Subaru haven’t overhauled the exterior visual unlike the previous generation tS. The addition of black trim along the side mirrors and shark fin antenna and exclusive Dark Grey Metallic wheels are all new for the tS, and there’s badging throughout the exterior.
Subaru expects tS to arrive in dealerships during the first quarter of 2024, but omitted pricing. Buyers can expect a $35,000-$38,000 sticker price, before options and potentially a dealer markup. Last generation’s tS had a $5,000 increase over the previously leading trim. Buyers should be prepared to pay a premium.
Article Last Updated: December 1, 2024.
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A high school student, Mason is a news writer, photographer and reviewer. He specializes in high-performance and exotic vehicles.