A higher-performance Subaru BRZ tuned by the people at Subaru Tecnica International (STI) is coming, though whether the car will feature a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged engine is still unclear.

A previous report suggested the BRZ STI model would remain naturally aspirated, due to the car’s pure sports design philosophy and claims there’s insufficient room for a turbocharger’s intercooler under the BRZ’s hood.  

A new report from Automotive News (subscription required) suggests otherwise, however. According to the new report, Subaru is working on a turbocharged version of the BRZ’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The turbocharged version is expected to feature a twin-scroll turbocharger as well as Subaru’s own direct-injection system rather than the Toyota system currently fitted to the engine in the BRZ and Scion FR-S. In the BRZ, this new turbocharged engine is expected to develop around 280 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, giving the regular BRZ and its 200 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque a much-needed boost.

A more powerful version of this turbocharged engine is also expected to feature in the next-generation Subaru WRX, with output in this model expected to be tuned to more than 300 horsepower.

The turbocharged BRZ, whether it’s called an STI or not, is expected to be introduced for the 2014 model year. With turbo power, the BRZ will finally be sufficiently differentiated from its Scion cousin, which is expected to remain naturally aspirated in order to maintain a low selling price.

Stay tuned for an update.

Note, at the recent 2012 Australian Motor Show, Subaru previewed a BRZ concept fitted with STI components, though these were merely a preview of simple bolt-on parts STI is planning.