2018 Subaru BRZ & Limited Edition BRZ tS: A Closer Look

Deep dive into the 2018 BRZ - arguably the best, most affordable RWD sports coupe on the market today. Including a look at BRZ tS, the most agile BRZ to date with 18-inch wheels for the first time and only 500 units made available.

It’s a good time for Subaru BRZ fans looking to ramp things up. In addition to the limited-edition BRZ tS going on sale this spring, the peppy real-wheel drive sports roadster stable now gets a new model: the BRZ Sport-tech RS.

Last year, the BRZ saw major performance and styling upgrades. Now, for 2018, Subaru’s real-wheel drive sports coupe ramps up the comfort and convenience for a more well-rounded offering. Available in Premium and Limited trims, and a optional Performance Package ideal for hitting the track, the 2018 BRZ goes on sale next month in January.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ gains more horsepower & torque, sits lower, wider and is lighter for, easily competing with track cars twice its price. Not bad for a RWD coupe entering its second-generation.

2018 BRZ Premier and Limited

Both the Premium and Limited BRZs get the same 2.0L engines mated to a standard 6-speed tranny making 205-hp, but the Limited is also available with an automatic transmission with 200-hp and steering wheel paddle-shift control switches — we’re not sure why you’d want this peppy roadster without a stick shift, but hey, each their own.

New for 2018: Optional Performance Package for US$1,195

The 205-hp BRZ goes against the grain within a Subaru family of all-wheel drive offerings like the 2018 Outback and Legacy. But that’s what sets it apart, making it the perfect, affordable little track star backed by a tight suspension and enhanced driving dynamics.

2018 subaru brz release date front red
2018 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru

Next year’s model gets a new infotainment setup with available navigation, and choice between a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and an optional Performance Package for drivers demanding a bit more — from an upgraded Brembo brake setup with four-piston calipers and rotors on the front and dual- piston calipers and rotors on the rear, to 17-inch black aluminum alloy rims. This package will add an extra $1,195 to the bottom line.

BRZ Sport-Tech RS

The BRZ tS, discussed more below, is the top-end offering for those hitting the track, but for those who need to ‘tone down’ the performance, the Sport-tech and Sport-tech RS will do with SACHS dampers, performance Brembo brakes and 17-inch gunmetal grey alloy wheels.

The Sport-tech comes equipped with exterior upgrades including LED fog lights; the cabin finds heated front seats, black leather with black Alcantara and red stitching, and a dual-zone climate control setup; and performance-wise, you can’t go wrong with a proper 6-speed stick shift.

However, the Sport-tech (not Sport-tech RS) is the only BRZ equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission – we’re not sure why you’d want this in a little roadster like this, but hey, we won’t judge. 

2018 Subaru BRZ tS Specs & Pictures: A Closer Look

2018 Subaru BRZ tS
2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Photo: Subaru

The most agile BRZ to date with 18-inch wheels for the first time, only 500 units 2018 Subaru BRZ tS were made available. Here’s a look at the modified coupe’s specs and key features.

Tuned by STI and packed with 205-hp, the limited edition 2018 Subaru BRZ tS gives this roadster its most agile handling capability ever, despite a significant performance, design and equipment upgrade just last year, the Japanese automaker felt like this sports car needed a little more love. 

With only 500 units available when the BRZ tS goes on sale early next year, this 2018 limited run version finds new convenience upgrades, and STI tuned chassis working alongside a light weight and super low centre of gravity for better handling, and an optional Performance Package to step things up even further.

If you’re cross-shopping the regular BRZ with the Toyota GR 86, check out our full comparison here.

Footwork and Handling: 18-inch wheels a first

For the first time, the BRZ’s wheels get a little bigger via the lightweight STI 18-inch rollers wrapped in 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Stopping power includes Brembo rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers. While standard on this special edition tS, this Brembo brake setup is an available option on the BRZ Limited model.

2018 Subaru BRZ tS wheel
2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Photo: Subaru

Aggressive Styling

Strapped with a manually adjustable STI rear carbon fiber spoiler, the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS gets a little more aggressive styling cues as well from last year. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.

And separating this limited edition tS from the BRZ pack is an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover; the rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge also so there’s no mistake this is one of 500 units.

2018 Subaru BRZ tS
2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Photo: Subaru

As for colours, the 2018 BRZ tS will be available in three choices: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl.

2018 Subaru BRZ tS interior

Inside, the BRZ tS cabin finds red accents throughout including the steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads and the shifter and emergency brake boots. The front seats feature red leather bolsters, and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo; and the visor over the gauge cluster and interior door trim are unique to the tS, and the center console has been updated to a cast-black finish.

2018 Subaru BRZ tS seats
2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Photo: Subaru

Limited to only 500 units, the 2018 BRZ tS arrived at dealerships the spring of 2018. Pricing was set at US$33,495 plus $860 for destination and delivery.

2018 Subaru BRZ tS Specs

  • Horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder, 2.0L DOHC SUBARU BOXER engine with Electronic Throttle Control and Dual Active Valve Control system with direct and port injection
  • 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque
  • 6-speed Manual Transmission (6MT) with gear position display
  • TORSEN limited-slip rear differential
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Bringing the latest news including release dates, pricing announcements, product updates. With some glossy concepts and special edition rides in the mix.