Subaru to launch two new performance models this year

Subaru continues to rev up their performance cars and will add two new sporty cars to their lineup this year. Subaru Australia has confirmed the launch of a new performance 2014 BRZ S that will be sold exclusively online as early as mid June in the country down under. They have also confirmed a new 20th anniversary limited edition 2014 WRX will be coming late this summer. How are they introducing the new performance BRZ S to fans?

Subaru is showcasing a number of their performance cars in a motor show in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, highlighting its performance car credentials for fans. They will be showcasing their performance car heritage by bringing six sporty models at customer events over the next four weeks. Fans will get to see the new WRX concept car that was the star of the New York International Auto Show earlier this year. It will likely be a big draw as it reveals the future WRX STI high-performance model. Subaru will also be showcasing the new performance BRZ S. What performance upgrades can we expect to see?

The new performance BRZ S to launch next month

The 2014 BRZ S, which will soon be an addition to the line-up, will feature a range of Subaru Tecnica International (STI)-inspired equipment. This BRZ S will be sold exclusively online from mid-June and will feature a distinctive sports pack. The factory-backed pack comprises a long list of components that distinguish it from the standard BRZ. The BRZ S will be track ready and will include front under, side, rear-side and boot lip spoilers, a flexible tower bar, coil spring set and 17-inch black STI alloy wheels.

Subaru did not announce what engine specs the new BRZ S will come with, but it’s not likely to have a turbo upgrade. The BRZ STI that has been seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring track will likely be what we see on the new BRZ S. It will get upgrades to the intake system on the 2.0-liter boxer engine that is reported to bump the horsepower from the current 200 hp to around 220-230 horsepower. Additional power will be added by Subaru making adjustments to the dual active valve control system. The maximum rpm’s could also be raised past the current 7,500 rpm limit. A new free flowing exhaust system will improve exhaust flow and reduce back pressure.

20th Anniversary Limited Edition WRX

Subaru is celebrating 20 years of building the high-performance turbocharged WRX and will commemorate the milestone with a new 20th Anniversary Limited Edition WRX. The brand will bring a prototype display car that will include many of the accessories that will be featured on the special edition WRX. Only 300 examples will be built and the limited edition WRX will be available for sale starting in September. The 300 limited edition cars will be featured in a special WR Blue exterior color to mark the occasion.

Subaru will reveal the name of the performance car closer to its launch later this summer. It will feature a number of special STI treatments like Recaro seats and trim with blue alcantara inserts, gold-colored coated 17-inch alloy wheels, STI rear spoiler, STI front lip spoiler, black steering wheel stitching, blue seat trim and door armrest stitching and STI-type soft touch center console lid with blue stitching.

Subaru has invited existing performance car customers on its database to see the cars at specific evening events. The public can also view the cars on separate dates that run from May 31-June 30 in Australia. Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia said, “Our customer feedback indicates there’s still no substitute for seeing our hottest developments in the metal, so it’s an opportunity to amplify our presence in front of people genuinely interested in our cars.” 

Pricing on the new 2014 BRZ S has not been announced. Will we see the new performance 2014 BRZ S in the U.S.? It’s most likely the new BRZ S will get STI badging in the U.S. sometime later this year or early next year. Stay tuned.