Automotive Reminder: 'tS still available!

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu) 08/16/2018 at 12:59 • Filed to: Subaru BRZ, Subaru BRZ tS

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There are still 106 BRZ tS listed on Autotrader. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and still 1/5 of the 500-strong production run are still sitting in showrooms. Meanwhile, every special edition Porsche sells out in a week.

Does this mean Toyota and Subaru are right in being slow to develop the Supra, new WRX STI, etc.? That entry-level sports cars really don’t have that much demand?

Or is it because they just didn’t turbocharge it already?

E90M3 > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:02

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I believe the “tS” stands for turbo, SIKE! 

gettingoldercarguy > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:03

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It’s the turbocharger thing, look at the Civic typ e r and focus is.

way2blu does a rev update > E90M3 08/16/2018 at 13:05

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I wanna hear a blowoff valve go tSSSssss but clearly it’s tooSoon for Subaru to do that.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:09

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Porsche clientele and Toyota/Subaru clientele are completely different.

Porsches are usually bought by rich pricks who can afford all of the limited edition 911s with a special one year only paint color.

Toyotas and Subarus are bought by poor pricks who can’t afford new models so that’s why the special editions sit on dealer lots for years.

HammerheadFistpunch > E90M3 08/16/2018 at 13:10

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I thought it stood for “ Tough Shit”.  As in “I really want a fast FR-S.  oh, tough shit.

E90M3 > HammerheadFistpunch 08/16/2018 at 13:11

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Maybe it’s a double entendre. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:12

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Doesn’t Ts stand for “Too ‘s pensive ?”

way2blu does a rev update > gettingoldercarguy 08/16/2018 at 13:14

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Even a 2.5l NA with better torque would be something. They make packaging excuses about the turbo, and pricing excuses about the turbo, heck they even make “it would upset the driving philosophy” excuses about the turbo.

If the aftermarket can supercharge it to 280 hp with a CARB-legal tune (Edelbrock offered a s/c kit) then Subaru/Toyota clearly can pass emissions and whatnot too.

It’s not related to packaging or pricing or driving philosophy, somebody at Toyota/Subaru is just stubborn.

way2blu does a rev update > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 08/16/2018 at 13:17

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Porsche made 991 of the 911 R, about double what Subaru made of the BRZ tS.

Maybe Subaru needs to take the BRZ upmarket for the next generation. Already has a boxer engine and RWD, just like a Porsche!

way2blu does a rev update > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 08/16/2018 at 13:27

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I mean... Everyone says “8k gets you so much more than Subaru’s upgrades” but the tS is tuned by STI which is an internationally successful motorsport division with a substantial budget.

Meanwhile, the 8k in aftermarket upgrades is tY, or tuned by You, and doesn’t include a warranty.

I think the value proposition lies in the fact that you’re getting a fully dialed-in car with full factory support. I’d wager that, despite how most of us enthusiasts view our own skills, Subaru Technica International will do a much better job creating a holistic package that works for its intended purpose.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:29

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It’s because they’re horrifyingly overpriced.

T he majority are demanding the full $36k MSRP and refuse to negotiate period “because limited edition.” Some are demanding $40k for cars with MSRPs of $33k. There’s one dealer with the balls to demand $50k for their BRZ tS “because limited edition.”  

The BRZ tS is not a $35k car to begin with.

way2blu does a rev update > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 08/16/2018 at 13:35

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They could be under the delusion that a fancy tS in the showroom will bring in customers to buy Outbacks or Ascents or even base BRZs. Problem is, Subaru’s performance cars (WRX & BRZ) now have zero overlap with their mainstream offerings (Forester, Impreza, etc.). The Forester XT was dropped with the latest refresh and there’s no chance of an Ascent or Crosstour XT (cool as the latter would be).

Also everybody who wanted a BRZ probably has one now.

punkgoose17 > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 13:36

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There is nothing very special about the tS. Oooh a wing. They built the special edition no one was asking for. gettingoldercarguy got it right, look at the Civic type R and Focus RS.

way2blu does a rev update > punkgoose17 08/16/2018 at 13:41

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The additional chassis bracing and tightening of the steering rack are pretty special if you’re all about driving feedback, but also totally unnecessary. The BRZ was arguably best-in-class in that area before the tS was a thing.

But at least it doesn’t cost Focus RS money, right?

CobraJoe > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 14:01

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My biggest problem with the BRZ: It’s not very useful as a second vehicle, and it’s not charming enough to compensate for those compromises.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 14:01

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Certainly possible, or they think they’ll talk idiots shopping the WRX into the BRZ when they balk at how overpriced those have gotten. Which let’s be honest, is beyond laughable. “Well how about this! It’s also got a boxer engine and it’s more of a pure sports car!”

Textured Soy Protein > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 08/16/2018 at 14:04

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$33 .5k, but still. It’s $8k more than the base BRZ and Subaru improved the handling (that people already liked) and added no power (that many people complained about/wanted more of). 

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Textured Soy Protein 08/16/2018 at 14:12

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Nope, look again at the tS. Yes, they can run $33.5k MSRP or even below , but there are an awful lot that sticker at $35k+ (or at least $34.5k, which is $35k after fees.) It looks like it’s the “ Popular Package #1" option that does it mostly.

Textured Soy Protein > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 08/16/2018 at 14:19

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I got that number here ....

AestheticsInMotion > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 14:49

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I will say they look pretty good in blue with the red accents 

way2blu does a rev update > AestheticsInMotion 08/16/2018 at 15:27

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I really like the Black/Red, it’s like a proper TIE Fighter for a Sith lord. Just missing the “goes really fast” part that defines a TIE Fighter :P

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 16:20

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Turbo? Sorry!

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 17:40

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Everybody who wanted a Toyobaru has already bought a Toyobaru. It’s a relatively small market.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 17:42

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The tS is an aero kit and better tires on a standard BRZ with the Performance Package. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 17:44

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Toyota doesn’t do it because they couldn’t give two shits about performance cars. Subaru doesn’t do it because it would step on the toes of the WRX.

way2blu does a rev update > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 08/16/2018 at 19:11

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The “cannibalization” argument isn’t valid for Subaru because all their performance models are outdated. Porsche can “protect” the 911 by keeping the Cayman/Boxs ter slow since they have a cutting-edge and differentiated product. Subaru’s had the same basic WRX and STI for almost 2 decades.

And I agree, Toyota hasn’t cared about performance since they decided against putting the 2ZZ in the 3rd-gen MR2. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 19:25

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The WRX got updated for 2015 with a new engine, transmission, suspension, brake package, etc. I don’t think any parts are shared with the previous generation. The STI though is getting a bit long in the tooth.

way2blu does a rev update > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 08/16/2018 at 19:31

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The STI has been riding on the coattails of its 305 hp since 2004.

That was Mustang GT output back then, and now the GT makes almost 500 hp and still costs the same as the STI. 

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > way2blu does a rev update 08/16/2018 at 19:36

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And look at how many crowds have been attacked because of that extra 200hp!

Being serious the STI doesn’t need more than 350hp in a factory tune. IMO 300 is already enough for the STI.

Arrivederci > way2blu does a rev update 08/17/2018 at 08:45

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You know what would’ve made every single one of those BRZ tS’s sell out before they even hit dealer lots at a higher MSRP? The FA20DIT from the WRX.

fin