Suburu BRZ and Scion FR-S Get Big Boost Via Cosworth

Cosworth Stage 1 Performance (Credit: © Cosworth)

If you think that the Scion FR-S or Subaru BRZ handle well enough but don’t pump out nearly enough power, you’re in luck. Cosworth is coming to the rescue with a new power package application for the FA-20 engine that promises more performance grunt. Those who are familiar with Cosworth know that it has experience with Formula One engines and has applied its knowledge to a number of different consumer vehicles, sometimes even significantly increasing the overall level of a vehicle’s performance.

The tuner first teased that it was working on a special project for the Subaru-Toyota twins in the early part of the year. The details of the first phase of the project have finally been revealed, putting an end to at least some of the speculation. Instead of turning the four-cylinder boxer engine into a fire-breathing performance demon, Cosworth squeezed out a peak 230 horsepower by adding 30 horsepower to the car’s stock form, which is actually pretty conservative by modern standards. The company does estimate that the power package cuts the car’s 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to just 5.0 seconds. Cosworth also estimates the package increases the top speed to 186 mph.

Does this mean that BRZ and FR-S drivers can finally teach Mustang GT drivers a lesson at red lights? Likely not, considering that the horsepower war is pushing many sports cars’ engine output to some pretty incredible heights.

The good news is that the power package is offered in three different stages, but Cosworth so far has only divulged the details for Stage 1. Just how extreme the car’s performance becomes with Stages 2 and 3 is still a mystery, but one can only hope for a horsepower output north of 300, which is what Cosworth right now is promising. Details for the other two packages are supposed to be released sometime this summer.