Subaru BRZ STI Concept: So Close, And Yet...

It’s not a secret anymore. As much as we like the handling and driving feel of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ duo, our journalists are unanimous: this chassis could handle a lot more power, and a high-performance version would sell well. Many tuners offer turbochargers and various other performance mods to extract more power from the engine, and none of those who have modified their cars with more horsepower would go back to stock. So why is there no production turbocharged FR-S/BRZ?

When I saw the Subaru BRZ STI Concept at the New York Auto Show, I was shocked. I thought Subaru finally listened and produced a more powerful version of its sporty coupe!

• Also: Finally, A More Powerful Toyobaru!
• Also: 2014 Scion FR-S: Slip-Sliding Through Winter's Wonderland

Turns out I was not quite right.

There is a more potent motor under the hood of this BRZ, but no turbo, just a naturally-aspirated version of the engine used in the BRZ Super GT racecar.

Even worse, this vehicle won’t be produced; it’s a showcase to explain what the STI branch will offer to its customers in the coming years.

So if you were hoping for a faster BRZ from the factory, you will have to wait a little longer.