The Subaru WRX tS isn’t exactly an STI but…

SUBARU has expanded its WRX model lineup in the United States with a new variant known as the WRX tS or Tuned by STI.

The WRX tS is not a full blown STI but it does come with several tasty upgrades. Visually, it comes with side mirrors, a fin-type antenna, and a rear spoiler painted in black, while the brake calipers are gold in colour.

Additionally, there’s a tS logo on the rear deck lid, and the model is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels in Satin Gray shod with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.

Moving to the interior, the conventional gauges have been replaced with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which means that the driver no longer needs to rely on the 11.6-inch touchscreen to view the map.

The WRX tS comes with Recaro Performance Design seats wrapped in black Ultrasuede with blue accents, as well as the WRX tS logo on the head rests and floor mats.

To make things more interesting, Subaru has removed the power moonroof to reduce weight and provide more headroom for helmeted drivers.

For the tS variant, the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine remains untouched, meaning it still makes 271 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, routed via the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Active Torque Vectoring.

While the engine’s output is retained, the vehicle is gains electronically controlled dampers and a revised suspension system by STI. Drivers can tailor the damper’s dynamic performance through three modes, namely Comfort, Normal, and Sport.

Braking performance is enhanced through a high-performance Brembo braking system, including 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, as well as larger pads and rotors.