After the much-anticipated North American debut of the 2024 BRZ tS in the sweltering heat of July, it’s time to shift our gaze to the Land of the Rising Sun, where its Japanese counterpart has made its grand entrance. However, in a twist of nomenclature, this Japanese variant goes by the moniker “STI Sport,” setting it apart from its American kin.
Taking a closer look, we find that the STI Sport doesn’t deviate too far from the path carved out by its North American sibling. The centerpiece of this automotive marvel is its formidable 17-inch Brembo braking system, complete with front and rear ventilated discs, elegantly embraced by the embrace of gleaming gold calipers. These high-performance stoppers lurk conspicuously behind a set of 18-inch dark metallic wheels, ensconced in 215/40 R18 rubber, primed for a thrilling ride.
Subaru elevates the STI Sport’s performance pedigree by meticulously overhauling its suspension. Upfront, a finely-tuned Hitachi Astemo sensitive frequency response damper (SFRD) takes the helm, ensuring a dance of unparalleled precision and control. At the rear, a distinct damper, subject to the wizardry of Subaru Tecnica International, lends its expertise to the symphony of motion. Cosmetic enhancements, although sparing, encompass sleek black side mirror caps and a roof antenna that blends seamlessly into the vehicle’s aesthetic canvas. Notably, the BRZ logo within the headlights now sports an alluring cherry red finish, a subtle yet effective touch.
Venturing inside the BRZ STI Sport’s cabin, one is met with a sensory experience that is nothing short of captivating. The rich interplay of burgundy and black suede and leather adorns the seats, elevating the ambiance. Dark metallic accents tastefully punctuate the interior, accentuating its sporty demeanor. To reinforce its performance pedigree, an STI-branded red start/stop button commands attention and beckons the driver to embark on an exhilarating journey.
Subaru Japan has set its sights on an ambitious sales target, projecting to move an impressive 350 units monthly. To be part of this exclusive club, one must be willing to part with 3,762,000 yen, translating to approximately $25,400 at the prevailing exchange rates. Opting for the automatic variant will see the price tag inch up slightly to the tune of $25,800. Mark your calendars for September 24, when the STI Sport is poised to make its local debut at the highly anticipated FUJI 86/BRZ STYLE 2023 event, hosted at the illustrious Fuji Speedway.
In a related development, the JDM-spec 2024 Subaru BRZ extends an inviting hand to safety-conscious buyers, offering the EyeSight driver assistance system even on models fitted with the manual gearbox, mirroring its US counterpart. Furthermore, the Japanese iteration welcomes an upgraded vehicle dynamics control (VDC) system and distinct tire options for the base R trim level, enhancing its overall performance envelope.
Under the hood, the 2024 BRZ continues to march to the beat of a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer gasoline engine, dutifully channeling its power to the rear wheels. As the dust settles, it’s clear that while the STI Sport brings its unique flair to the table, the heart of this Japanese icon remains unchanged—a testament to the enduring spirit of Subaru’s engineering prowess.
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