2014 Subaru BRZ STI

Ever since Subaru dropped the new BRZ onto the market, we knew that an even hotter STI version was sure to follow. Now, British magazine AutoExpress is offering a few details on this new model, set to arrive sometime next year.

The future BRZ STI will feature a more powerful version of the current 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder ’boxer’ engine. The output will be raised up to somewhere in the 250-horsepower area (an addition of about 50 horsepower), thanks to the modifications made to the engine’s variable valve control system. That will also allow for an even higher rev limit of around 7,500rpm with the help of a new freer-flowing exhaust.

Next to the extra power, the new STI will also be even lighter than the standard BRZ. It will also be distinguished by a dramatic bodykit, a stiffened and lowered suspension, lighter but larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded brakes.

One downside to the BRZ STI is that there will be no turbocharged version offered. Subaru says there is no space for it in the engine bay and they are reserving these version for models like the WRX STI.

When the BRZ STI does debut, Subaru would have taken the next step in their playful game of one-ups-man-ship. What say you, Toyota?

UPDATE 10/23/2012: Just a few days ago, Subaru unveiled a Subaru BRZ equipped with STI upgrades at the 2012 Australian Motor Show in Sydney. We knew this wasn’t this wasn’t the real Subaru BRZ STI deal, but it confirmed the fact that great things were going to be coming from Subaru in the near future.

Now we hear that Subaru is preparing a turbocharged direct-injection version of the horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the standard BRZ. This engine will feature a single twin-scroll turbocharger and straight direct-injection developed in-house and not the DI/port-injection system developed in cooperation with Toyota.

This engine could deliver up to 280 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, transforming the upcoming BRZ STI into a real competitor in the sports car market. (AutoNews)

UPDATE 08/05/2013: Subaru unveiled today the first teaser image for the upcoming BRZ STI, which will make its world debut later this fall, either at the Frankfurt Motor Show or in Tokyo.

UPDATE 08/05/2013 (2): Yup, another update for the first Monday of August... Subaru has just release yet another teaser image, which you can see above.

Click past the jump to read more about the upcoming Subaru BRZ STI.

gallery: 2012 Subaru BRZ Concept STI

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Competitors

Nissan 370 Nismo

The STI version of the Subaru BRZ will not add much — if any — power to the base BRZ, so its competition is limited to higher-performance versions of the models that already compete with the base BRZ.

The 370Z Nismo comes equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 350 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque. This amount of power is considerably more than what we anticipate the BRZ STI to deliver. This goes to show that if you are willing to shell out a little more money, you can upgrade to a far more power sports car than the BRZ STI.