Subaru BRZ Sport Package Debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon
Subaru has unveiled a BRZ Sport Package at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring a carbon roof, black aero kit, and uprated brakes and suspension.
Subaru has introduced a BRZ Sport Package at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, adding a sharper edge to its rear-drive coupe with a series of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. The package, revealed at the Japanese tuning show, centres on a race-inspired appearance and uprated chassis components.
Subaru BRZ Sport Package Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon
Exterior Enhancements and Styling
The BRZ Sport Package stands out visually with a matte black aero kit, which includes front, side and rear extensions. Black-finished details extend to the door mirrors, while the most substantial change is a carbon fibre roof panel. The roof not only reduces weight at the car’s highest point, aiding handling, but also signals Subaru’s intent to position this model as a more focused variant. Large 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in black fill the arches, covering a set of substantial Brembo brake calipers.
The addition of matte black elements and the use of carbon fibre are both inspired by motorsport trends, helping to distinguish the Sport Package visually from the standard BRZ. The carbon fibre roof is particularly notable, as this feature is not commonly found in this segment and typically appears in higher-priced performance cars. The blacked-out BBS wheels and side mirrors further reinforce the car's aggressive appearance, while also serving functional purposes in terms of weight and aerodynamics.
Chassis and Performance Upgrades
Beneath the striking exterior, the BRZ Sport Package includes a Bilstein suspension system. This upgrade is designed to improve handling precision and body control over the standard car, making the coupe more suitable for spirited driving and occasional track use. The Brembo braking system, hidden behind the 19-inch wheels, provides increased stopping power and fade resistance, which is especially beneficial during high-performance driving.
These chassis enhancements are aimed at enthusiasts looking for a more engaging driving experience without moving to a full racing specification. The combination of Bilstein suspension and Brembo brakes is a significant step up from the standard equipment, reflecting Subaru's attention to performance-oriented details even in a show car context.
Interior and Equipment Changes
Inside, the BRZ Sport Package features Recaro sport seats trimmed in leather, matched by a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These seats are designed to provide greater support during dynamic driving, while the use of leather adds a sense of luxury and durability. The focus remains on tactile materials and a driver-centric layout, with Subaru prioritising the driving experience over additional technology or infotainment upgrades in this package.
Subaru has not detailed further equipment or technology changes, and there is no mention of alterations to the car’s core infotainment or climate systems. The Sport Package appears to be tailored primarily to those who value driver engagement and interior quality, rather than additional comfort or convenience features.
Production Plans and Market Position
At launch, Subaru did not confirm whether the BRZ Sport Package would enter series production or remain a showpiece for the Tokyo Auto Salon. There is no official word on pricing or export availability. The upgrades align closely with aftermarket trends seen among BRZ owners, but factory-fit carbon roofs and high-grade suspension are rare at this level. The package positions the BRZ to appeal to buyers who want more than the standard coupe but are not ready to commit to a full STI or motorsport build.
The uncertainty regarding production means that, for now, the BRZ Sport Package serves as a showcase of what Subaru’s engineers and designers can achieve when given the freedom to focus on performance and style. It also provides an insight into the potential direction for future BRZ variants, especially if there is strong interest from enthusiasts and the aftermarket community.
Comparison with Standard BRZ and Aftermarket Options
Compared to the standard Subaru BRZ, the Sport Package offers a number of enhancements that are typically only available through aftermarket modification. While many BRZ owners opt to upgrade their cars with similar wheels, suspension, and brake components, the Sport Package brings these features together in a factory-developed package. This ensures compatibility and quality, while also maintaining the car’s warranty and factory support (if it were to be offered for sale).
| Feature | BRZ Sport Package | Standard BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Aero Kit | Matte black front, side, rear extensions | Standard bodywork |
| Roof | Carbon fibre | Steel |
| Wheels | 19-inch black BBS alloys | 17-inch alloys |
| Brakes | Brembo, upgraded | Standard brakes |
| Suspension | Bilstein, uprated | Standard suspension |
| Seats | Recaro leather sport seats | Standard seats |
Potential Impact and Enthusiast Appeal
The unveiling of the BRZ Sport Package at the Tokyo Auto Salon demonstrates Subaru’s awareness of its enthusiast base and the popularity of performance upgrades for the BRZ platform. While the package may remain a concept, it highlights the demand for more focused, track-capable versions of affordable sports cars. Should Subaru decide to produce the package, it could help bridge the gap between the standard BRZ and future high-performance variants, attracting buyers who seek a blend of style, exclusivity, and enhanced driving dynamics.
