The Subaru BRZ, and Toyota GT86 for that matter, are fantastic machines. Shifting the focus away from gadgets and gizmos and putting the spotlight on the pure driving experience, these cars were built for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. The only real criticism of these models is that they could do with a little more power. Not loads, just a table spoon or two. Subaru may become the first of the two Japanese companies to produce a more hardcore variation. The Subaru BRZ STI breaks cover.

Revealed in a teaser image, the STI logo sits proudly on what is clearly a BRZ front grill. The low slung coupe is rumoured to be receiving a supercharger to boost the performance of its boxer engine. Even more interesting are tales of a KERS styled push to pass button that would store energy otherwise lost through braking in a battery. We got our first look at what the BRZ STI might look like in 2011 with a concept car, but it is very clear now that the real thing isn’t very far away.