Special Edition Subaru BRZ Series.Blue inches us closer to STI model

Subaru announces a new Special Edition 2015 BRZ Series.Blue model with STI trim. Is it a forerunner of the BRZ STI?

What is a Special Edition 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue? Subaru fans have been clamoring for a BRZ STI but this isn’t it, yet. Subaru gets us closer and has announced the all-new Special Edition 2015 BRZ Series.Blue model. What makes it special is that comes with STI trim and aerodynamic enhancements. But don’t expect mass production, as there will only be 1000 examples of this special edition 2015 BRZ produced for the U.S. market.

Is this a forerunner of the BRZ STI that BRZ fans have been waiting for? It looks like it has a lot of STI goodies but without the STI engine upgrades. Sorry, STI fans, it still comes with the 200 horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer powerplant. But this Special Edition 2015 BRZ Series Blue does get enough other STI goodies that it makes us wonder if Subaru is getting close to producing the full BRZ STI performance model.

BRZ Series.Blue gets some STI treatments

Let’s take a look at what this new special edition comes with that tells us Subaru is inching closer to producing a new BRZ with full STI treatment. What sets this BRZ apart from the standard 2015 BRZ is that BRZ Series.Blue will feature aerodynamic enhancements that will make the two-door coupe slip through the wind easier. It comes with black STI front, side, and side-rear under spoilers, which will keep all four corners of the sports car firmly planted at high speeds.

This tells us that Subaru is getting BRZ ready for the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine once it’s ready. Subaru says there are additional underbody panels that are tucked away underneath that will further reduce wind resistance with a coefficient of drag (Cd) that takes this special edition model from 0.28 to 0.27. STI has been seen testing their performance BRZ in Germany and this car, while not a full STI, gets us closer.

Additional STI features

What else does the Special Edition 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue get from STI? It gets red-finish brake calipers that can be seen peaking out behind the spokes of the special black painted STI wheels. It also comes with a special red illuminated engine start/stop button with an STI logo. While the button starts the 200 horsepower Subaru Boxer engine, it tells us, get ready for STI to do their magic on the new 2.0-liter DIT turbocharged engine that is ready to be planted in the engine compartment of BRZ.

The ultra-exclusive Special Edition 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue also gets special trim and details on the inside. It sports leather and Alcantara upholstery that includes blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints. The unique color continues with Blue stitching accents on the seats and the blue and black leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the shift lever boot and leather-wrapped parking brake handle. It continues to the center console kneepads and door trim, accented by an embroidered silver BRZ logo on the front seatbacks. The BRZ logo and blue stitching are also seen on the carpeted floor mats. It also comes with a frameless day/night rear-view mirror and simulated carbon fiber center dash panel trim that we also see on the 2015 WRX and WRX STI.

No BRZ STI just yet

Is Subaru getting fans ready for the all-new BRZ STI? The Special Edition 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue is a forerunner of the full STI. It gets more than just a few STI badges, with the aerodynamic enhancements and underbody treatments. STI has been already been testing the BRZ with new chassis modifications getting it ready for a more powerful engine.

For now, 1000 U.S. examples of this special edition BRZ will be available for $29,490 plus $795 destination. Subaru will offer 500 painted WR Blue Pearl and 500 in Crystal White Pearl with a six-speed manual transmission. Special Edition 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue arrives on U.S. shores in July. Global BRZ performance fans will have to wait a little longer for the BRZ STI.

Other Subaru BRZ STI stories of interest.
Tommi Makinen previews new 2016 Subaru BRZ STI