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.

[drewbagz]

The question is, if one wanted the STI has shown, how much would it actually costs us? Let's face it, this is the one we all really want.

[soad]

Have they given it more power yet?

[Ryvita]

soad said:

Have they given it more power yet?

"Subaru officially quotes power at 345bhp and 332lb ft of torque, but Subaru's Dominik Infante told TG.com the concept car actually produces closer to 450bhp. "They quote it lower on the stand, but that's just an agreement between the Japanese manufacturers," he smiles. "In the race series they downgrade their power, but in reality - in this concept car - that engine makes 450."

That enough for you?

[forzaminardi]

The wheels look fantastic. A Toyota GT86 with a mild bodkit (delete the stupid standard rear wing with a smooth ducktail), a bit more power and tasty wheels would be almost my perfect car.

[MustardCutter]

drewbagz said:

The question is, if one wanted the STI has shown, how much would it actually costs us? Let's face it, this is the one we all really want.

I'd guess £40k with the fancy suspension, body kit, wheels and breaks. A more humble (but faster than current version, 250bhp+) version without any ugly spoiler at £30k would be magic, please Toyota/Subaru.

Edit: and keep the lights off that concept, the standard ones look 1990's Swindon McDonalds gash.

[soad]

Ryvita said:

"Subaru officially quotes power at 345bhp and 332lb ft of torque, but Subaru's Dominik Infante told TG.com the concept car actually produces closer to 450bhp. "They quote it lower on the stand, but that's just an agreement between the Japanese manufacturers," he smiles. "In the race series they downgrade their power, but in reality - in this concept car - that engine makes 450."

That enough for you?

Oh, yes (nods head).

[unsprung]

drewbagz said:

The question is, if one wanted the STI has shown, how much would it actually costs us? Let's face it, this is the one we all really want.

Reckon you've hit the nail on the head. This exciting list of mods, and a street-legal quasi-race-spec powertrain in particular, would add hugely to the price of the car. Perhaps not double, but not far off.

Toyota and Subaru aren't thick; they've run all the demand models. They know that the higher they go in price, the greater the expectations and the wider the field of competitors.

To secure their business case, they explicitly target value-for-money at the affordable end -- whilst assuming a robust aftermarket.

[motor mad]

Not this again.

Subaru/Toyota built an involving competitively priced car that very few people bought. If they were to up the performance, obviously the price will rise significantly as a result. Again very few people would buy that car, even though lots of people said on a car enthusiasts forum that they definitely would!

I can imagine it now. 'For that money you could have an M135, a Golf R, Porsche Boxster or an M3.......

[Axionknight]

motor mad said:

Not this again.

Subaru/Toyota built an involving competitively priced car that very few people bought. If they were to up the performance, obviously the price will rise significantly as a result. Again very few people would buy that car, even though lots of people said on a car enthusiasts forum that they definitely would!

I can imagine it now. 'For that money you could have an M135, a Golf R, Porsche Boxster or an M3.......

"I like naturally aspirated, revvy, involving drivers cars, so I bought a Golf R as the BRZ isn't fast enough"......

[loose cannon]

That spoiler is horrid bin that and it will look ok

[tyrrell]

Again why why why can't I have one with decent torque and power please I would buy one

[tyrrell]

Again why why why can't I have one with decent torque and power please I would buy one

[Bladedancer]

This concept corrects 2 main problems of the original car - rear lights and wheels.
Massive want!

[Happyjap]

Japan is the future of the Supercar, please don't hate the player, hate the game!

[Killer2005]

Well that looks bloody amazing. I'll take mine in bright green please

[clarki]

Oh, I do like that - even the rear wing tbh.