Subaru on verge of launching BRZ performance parts...

Subaru is about to launch a range of unique-to-Australia aftermarket motorsport parts for its BRZ coupe, but Toyota Australia remains non-committal about a range of TRD accessories announced this week in Europe for its 86 twin-under-the-skin.

“We'll have an announcement within a matter of weeks,” said Subaru Australia National Corporate Affairs Manager, David Rowley, when motoring.com.au asked for an update on the local availability of go-faster bits for the sleek new BRZ.

“It's a regional supplier (building the performance parts). They will be unique to Australia but, having said that, we could sell them to overseas markets if requested.”

Subaru Australia Managing Director Nick Senior confirmed at the BRZ launch in July that a range of racetrack-inspired accessories would be offered for its rear-wheel drive coupe.

“We're also looking at motorsport options...,”said Mr Senior at the time, adding that Subaru Australia had “partnered with an external supplier who can simplify the transition from road to track.”

Subaru has clearly got the jump on Toyota in offering higher-performance parts for its new boxer-engined sports coupe, but Toyota has not ruled out the introduction of similar go-faster bits for 86 customers in Australia.

Toyota of Europe this week announced it will show off a tricked-up TRD 86 at the Paris Motor Show later this month, fitted with TRD Performance Line accessories, and Toyota Australia Public Relations Manager, Mike Breen, hinted to motoring.com.au that we could see a return of the ill-fated TRD brand in Australia.

“There are on-going discussions (concerning Toyota 86 TRD parts for Australia), however, as this relates to potential future product action, we cannot provide any further information,” said Mr Breen.

Toyota's 86 has proved so popular in Australia that it's sold out for more than a year, with some variants unlikely to be delivered to owners until late 2013.

The scope of the TRD Performance Line accessories doesn't extend to turbocharging, as many enthusiasts had hoped, but Toyota of Europe said “aerodynamic and performance parts” will be available.

Toyota Australia killed off TRD as a performance sub-brand here in December 2008 – just over a year after its introduction in August 2007 – following slow sales of its first two models, the supercharged V6 Aurion and HiLux.

At this stage it is unclear how TRD will be positioned in relation to the newly appointed hot-tuner for both the Lexus and Toyota brands, Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG).

TMG has also built its own version of the 86 - and is on the cusp of releasing its first official concept car, a hard-charging twin-turbo Lexus LS460.