Hot Subaru BRZ STI rendered

The unveiling of the second-generation Subaru BRZ has brought two new unofficial renders to light showing a high-performance STI version and a sleek new roadster.

Neither version has been confirmed as being in the works, but these renders from the designers at X-Tomi Design illustrate what we might expect if they were given the green light.

While the Subaru BRZ roadster is a clean look with X-Tomi’s elegant roof elimination, it appears tame by comparison next to the Subaru BRZ STI, which looks the goods with its big bonnet scoop, sharp front lip, wild rear wing, larger wheels (painted gold, naturally) and beefy Brembo brakes.

Now we’re talking.

Of course, we’d expect that under the bonnet lies a higher-performance version of the new 2.4-litre flat four-cylinder engine (FA24) that in the standard model produces 170kW of power and 249Nm of torque.

Such a powertrain development is also anticipated with the forthcoming fifth-generation Subaru WRX, which is expected to be revealed around April 2021 ahead of production starting in the final quarter of next year.

Subaru is yet to confirm timing for the new BRZ, which is shaping up to be late next year, while the WRX is likely to push into 2022.

As we’ve reported, the new Subaru BRZ will come with a host of improvements including major work on its dynamic performance with help from a stiffer body, extensive light-weighting measures, lower centre of gravity, improved steering response and a standard 18-inch wheel-and-tyre combination.