The highly anticipated sports car collaboration between Subaru and Toyota gets STI performance additions for Los Angeles.
Subaru says at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show this month it will show the BRZ STI concept, a version of the new BRZ sports car due next year. Subaru fans will know that those three letters, STI, mean outstanding performance from Subaru Tecnica International, the tuner division of Subaru.
The photos released by Subaru show a very slick-looking sports coupe, with similarities to the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The BRZ comes from a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota. For Subaru, it represents a unique rear-wheel-drive car in its lineup, which is currently exclusively all-wheel drive.
Two versions of the car will go on sale in 2012, badged as a Subaru and a Scion.
The STI modifications for this concept include Brembo brakes, an air intake below the grille, and a big wing on back to add downforce for the rear wheels. The roof is also made of carbon fiber to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity.
But the missing ingredient is a turbo. Subaru says this concept is powered by a direct-injection, naturally aspirated 2-liter boxer-style engine. Although not specified, this engine should make around 200 horsepower, far from the 305 horsepower produced by the current Impreza WRX STI's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
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