Accelerated Performance reveals turbocharged Subaru BRZ with 278hp
US tuner Accelerated Performance has launched a turbo kit for the Subaru BRZ, boosting the coupe’s output by 78hp and addressing the lack of a factory turbo option.
Accelerated Performance has introduced a turbocharged version of the Subaru BRZ, lifting the sports coupe’s output from its stock 200hp to a claimed 278hp and 215lb-ft of torque. The Ohio-based tuner’s kit offers the forced induction solution that Subaru itself has declined to provide for the BRZ, at a price of $5,000.
Turbocharging the BRZ: details and claimed gains
The kit is based around a turbocharger installation for the BRZ’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four engine, which is shared with the Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S. Accelerated Performance claims the turbo kit delivers an extra 78hp over the standard car, with torque rising to 215lb-ft. The company has developed and tested the package on its own vehicle, and says a larger turbo kit is in the works for those seeking even more power.
Subaru’s official line at launch was that the BRZ would not be offered with a turbocharged engine or four-wheel drive, despite calls from enthusiasts for more performance. That left the aftermarket to fill the gap. Accelerated Performance’s kit is one of the first to reach the market, and is positioned as a direct response to the lack of a factory turbo option.
What the upgrade means for BRZ owners
For BRZ owners keen to extract more from the chassis, the turbo kit offers a substantial power increase over the standard car. The stock BRZ produces 200hp at the crank, but real-world figures at the wheels are lower. According to claims circulating in enthusiast circles, the kit’s output may be measured at the wheels, suggesting an even larger effective gain over the stock car’s wheel horsepower. Regardless of which figure is used, the upgrade moves the BRZ into territory previously reserved for much more expensive sports cars.
The BRZ’s standard features include a six-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, and rear-wheel drive layout. With the turbo kit, owners gain a level of straight-line performance that matches the car’s well-regarded balance and handling. The kit’s price does not include installation or any required supporting upgrades, so total costs will vary depending on the installer and the customer’s requirements.
Aftermarket response to Subaru’s decision
Subaru’s refusal to produce a turbocharged BRZ left a clear opening for tuners. Accelerated Performance is among the first to deliver a ready-to-install kit, but the market for BRZ and GT86 forced induction upgrades is expected to grow. For those who prefer a factory-backed turbocharged Subaru coupe, there is no official option, though Subaru has since confirmed a turbocharged model for future production (see Turbocharged Subaru BRZ confirmed for production).
For now, the Accelerated Performance kit provides a solution for BRZ owners seeking more power without waiting for a factory model. The company has not released details on warranty coverage or long-term durability, so buyers will need to consider the risks and benefits of aftermarket tuning.
