The Subaru BRZ has been around for quite some time now, and it’s racked up about as many special edition models as any model that’s out on the market today. Don’t look now but it appears that Subaru isn’t done with this exercise because it’s rolling out a new SE model in time for the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The model is called the BRZ STI Sport, and it benefits from getting exclusive upgrades on unheralded sections of the sports car. It does, after all, wear the STI badge and we know what that means, right?

Let’s get this straight from the get-go. The BRZ STI Sport Edition does not feature any engine upgrades. It still carries the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that pumps out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. It’s adequate power for a car like the BRZ, but not enough to really make a statement. This is where STI comes in because this special edition BRZ isn’t about power gains; it’s about the thrill of the ride and the handles that go with it. A car like the BRZ is prepared to give drivers the thrill of performance driving, regardless of the amount of power it has. That’s what the BRZ STI Sport is all about, and rest assured, that kind of selling point is a big reason why the special edition sports car is expected to be a hot-seller once it gets out in the market. Only a limited number of BRZ STI Sport Edition models are expected to be released, including just 100 units of a high-spec version that will come with an exclusive paint finish.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition.

2018 Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition

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  • Model: 2018 Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition
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What makes the Subaru BRX STI special

On the surface, the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition looks exactly like a regular BRZ. It doesn’t have the fancy colors of the BRZ ts STI, the racing stripes of the BRZ Special Edition, or the massive rear wing of the BRZ ts. None of that matters though because the BRZ STI promotes an identity of its own, and that identity is grounded on the appeal of offering a car that puts top-of-the-line handling above all else.

It still gets some vanity upgrades, particularly a bespoke Cool Grey Khaki paint finish that’s reserved for the highest-spec version of the coupe. Subaru even said that only 100 units of the BRZ STI Sport Edition will get this exclusive body color. On the aero front, the sports car also gets its own rear wing, albeit much smaller than the monstrosity that was on the 2018 BRZ ts. There are also interior upgrades to speak of, including the use of STI-branded sport bucket seats to go along with a black and red interior motif. That’s about the extent of the aesthetic features, and there are no fancy aeros to speak of, no use of premium materials, and certainly none of those plaques that don’t really do anything except remind those who see them of the car’s perceived exclusivity.

The Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition is, by and large, a driver’s kind of car. It’s defined largely by all the mechanical enhancements given to it. It has a more rigid body and an improved suspension tuning, the latter of which is the main reason why Subaru is touting the car as having the chops to offer drivers “pure handling delight.” It’s not the sexiest way to describe it, but for a car that emphasizes function over form, the BRZ STI Sport Edition has little time for vanity. It’s meant to be a driver’s car, and for what it’s worth, it has the makings of one.

Here’s the bad news though. From the looks of it, the BRZ STI Sport Edition is not coming to the US. It might not even come to Europe as it looks like the model is going to be sold exclusively in Japan. Would-be customers in Japan can actually sign up to buy one already, except that they can’t just because they were the first in line to do so. According to the automaker, a lottery will take place at some point wherein winners will be randomly selected. It’s an unusual procedure for sure, but it’s Subaru’s game so we’ll have to live with it. In any case, more details about the car and the lottery procedures are expected to be unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in late October.

Don’t worry, there’s a chance for us to get a “better” version of the BRZ STI Sport Edition.

I understand the feeling of disappointment that comes with getting jilted on a special edition car. The Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition looks like it’s going to be massively fun to drive, but it’s not coming here, so that’s that. Fortunately, not all hope is lost because us here in America will get something similar, or maybe even better than the BRZ STI Sport Edition.

Yes, I’m talking about the 2018 BRZ ts, the same special edition that has that can’t-miss, STI-branded carbon fiber rear spoiler. In some ways, the BRZ ts has everything you want out of the Tokyo Motor Show-bound BRZ STI Sport Edition, plus a few extra options to choose from. For instance, it’s going to be offered in three different colors, including Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, and Subaru’s famous WR (World Rally) Blue Pearl. It also features modest aero upgrades in the form of underspoilers located in the front, side, and rear of the car. Altogether, these spoilers should be able to improve airflow, resulting in better traction and stability for the car. Since we’re here already talking up the BRZ ts, let’s not forget that it’s also getting a set of lightweight 18-inch wheels, the first such time that a BRZ is getting wheels of this size straight from the factory. Power for the BRZ ts also sticks to its stock figures so expect the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 206 ponies and 156 pound-feet of twist on tap. Not great in terms of numbers, but did you expect anything more?

All that said, this is the best part about the BRZ ts. There’s no lottery involved in buying one. All you have to do is be vigilant with information regarding the car’s release date - tentatively scheduled for the early part of 2018 - and spring to action once the official information is available. Remember, Subaru is only producing 500 of these bad boys so yes, first-come, first-serve definitely applies.

References

2018 Subaru BRZ tS

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS.

Subaru BRZ

Read our full review on the Subaru BRZ.

Read more Subaru news.