Thursday 2nd April 2015

Subaru STI Performance Concept

New range of STI upgrades previewed in very exciting BRZ concept at New York

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Don't get too excited - there won't be a BRZ like this at your local Subaru dealer next to the Foresters and XVs anytime soon. Sorry. The aim of this STI Performance Concept instead is to preview a new range of STI performance parts for the Boxer engined, Rear-wheel drive Zenith coupe.

Can we have the lights but no wing?

Which, when you think about it, is probably a good thing. Bear with us. Those Japanese cars that have proved so popular in tuning communities have done so because the base product is so responsive to modifications, not necessarily because there's a flagship version from the manufacturer. MX-5, S2000, 350Z, even the Impreza - all great as standard, but so often modified by owners because the parts are available and the results are so good. The BRZ fits that mould, and who wouldn't want a wider range of STI-approved parts?

This STI Performance Concept features "enhancements for chassis, body, and air intake/exhaust systems.", as well as the obvious interior and exterior tweaks. From what can be seen in the images, there are some very sexy 19-inch forged BBS wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres, Bilstein dampers and a trick new steering wheel. Because who doesn't love starter buttons and change up lights?

There are more significant mechanical changes too, including a race version of the EJ20 2.0-litre turbo under the bonnet. Yep, the flat-four used for the very special JDM Imprezas in motorsport specification. Exciting. Don't expect that on the options list soon either, though.

Expect to see more of this badge soon - good

However, Subaru and STI in particular is keen to expand. Parent company Fuji Heavy Industries wants to "enhance the STI brand in its product strategy" as part of its 'Prominence 2020' initiative. This should mean more aftermarket parts, complete cars and motorsport activity, with the STI Performance Concept is the first manifestation of that idea.

The focus is America at present but fingers crossed the expansion is successful and it can be introduced over here too. Not wishing to get carried away, but more manufacturer tuning parts would surely work perfectly with the steelies and black bumpers bog-standard special... We'll keep you posted.

[Harry Kovert]

Why oh why do Subaru refuse to give their fans what they clearly want?

This beast looks fantastic and would no doubt perform in accordance with Subarus of old. I reckon they'd shift a fair few of them too.