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Bad news, rally fans: Subaru says a BRZ STI is a no-go

The Subaru BRZ almost immediately won over enthusiasts with its back-to-basics rear-wheel drive chassis and Miata-like handling, but with just 200 horsepower, it also left them wanting more.

However, they apparently won’t get more. Australia’s Motoring reports that the long-rumored BRZ STI performance model is a no-go.

Subaru Australia managing director told the website that Subaru has no plans to offer a BRZ STI – or any other STI models besides the recently-launched 2015 WRX STI – although the company’s Down Under office is lobbying for one.

Senior said Subaru’s small size means it has limited resources, and there just aren’t any to put toward a BRZ STI. This was also Subaru’s explanation for axing the WRX and STI wagons.

Subaru’s Australian arm is reportedly working on some special-edition BRZ models instead.

Keen to know if Subaru of America would follow Australia’s special-edition BRZ suit, we asked Dominick Infante, National Manager of Product Communications for Subaru of America. “I have no idea what plans Australia had made. So I cannot comment,” Infante told Digital Trends. “And we can’t comment on future product anyway.”

Just to refresh your memory, the BRZ is powered by a 2.0-liter boxer-four that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, with six-speed manual and automatic transmission options.

Subaru and partner Toyota have said the BRZ and its Scion FR-S twin were meant to emphasize handling, not outright speed, which is admittedly refreshing in today’s world of bulked-up, high-tech cars.

Still, the BRZ seems like perfect fodder for an aftermarket turbocharger upgrade, and perhaps that is the route enthusiasts will have to go if they want more power.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
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