Tommi Makinen previews new 2016 Subaru BRZ STI

The 2015 Subaru BRZ tS is the forerunner of the all-new 2016 BRZ STI that will be coming. The new tuned suspension has been developed by Subaru Technica International (STI) and BRZ is getting ready for its next stage of development with a new engine. Now that Subaru and STI have unveiled the 2015 WRX And WRX STI, they are getting ready to take the next step with the BRZ STI.

Tommi Makinen who is a former Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) driver, arrived in Japan to test drive the new 2015 BRX tS and give his impressions of the new performance BRZ. Makinen is a seasoned driver and won four consecutive drivers' championships between 1996-1999. Who better to test the new BRZ from STI?

Here are Makinen’s impressions after driving the new BRZ tS. The translation from Japanese has been changed for an easier read in English. “Fantastic! I felt the BRZ was made very well, but the BRZ tS has further raised the goodness of the identity of the base model. It has been refined to "run, turn, stop" in all aspects. After driving the STI version of the BRZ, I can feel the difference in the changes that have been made. Even without increasing the speed, I felt more confident in the cars ability.”

He was asked specifically what part of the car he could feel a difference. Makinen said, “It is an easy car to drive anyway, but I could feel the difference in the steering that was solid and improved straight-line stability in the windy conditions like today. The handling of the car is definitely improved in the corners.”

After the test drive, Makinen was able to get under the car as it was raised on the lift to visually inspect the changes STI has made underneath. He was able to discuss the goals STI has for the development of the BRZ with the STI vehicle experimental group Senior Manager.

He was able to see the enhanced rigidity of the body, the improvements in the suspension and steering and the increased thickness in the diameter of the drive shaft. Makinen commented on the changes, “I can see the direction that STI is going with BRZ and it’s clear their aim is clear. I think STI is building a complete car.”

It looks like BRZ performance fans will be getting a new BRZ STI soon that will come with improved performance on the road and track. STI is developing a new BRZ that will perform at high speeds on the race circuit. It’s clear STI’s goal is to improve the suspension, steering and drivetrain and get it ready for the increase in engine performance.

Subaru BRZ fans can get ready for a new BRZ STI launch with a new engine with more horsepower in the near future. Our guess is that STI will launch the BRZ STI in 2016. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest BRZ STI news.