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Subaru unveils BRZ concept, confirms that new WRX is coming

Subaru finally shows us its FT-86 clone at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
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Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

...and then there were three.

Subaru BRZ concept STI
Delete the wing, erase a few superfluous vents, and add larger side mirrors and you've got the production BRZ. Antuan Goodwin/CNET

LOS ANGELES--The Toyota FT-86 II and Scion FR-S concepts are joined today by Subaru's vision for the lightweight, rear-driven sports car platform with the unveiling of the Subaru BRZ concept STI at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks our first official peek at the BRZ in the sheet metal; the previous offerings showed off the drivetrain, but not the external styling.

As a bit of a hat tip to enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting the BRZ, Subaru decided that the first concept should showcase what an STI variant of the sports coupe might look like. Cue the massive GT-style wing, chunky STI wheels, and big brakes. A front fender vent is emblazoned with an STI logo, and the whole concept is covered in Subaru's traditional bright, WR Blue Mica paint.

Details about power, fuel economy, and price were not discussed at Subaru's presentation, but we've already got a pretty good idea of what to expect from this model's power train.

Subaru BRZ concept STI (photos)

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Subaru stated during the presentation that we could expect the production version of the BRZ (non-STI) to debut November 30 at the Tokyo Motor Show. That's just two short weeks away, which lets us know that the concept displayed today is more or less ready for prime time. Yank off that obnoxious wing, swap in reasonably sized wing mirrors, and generally tone down the aggressiveness a tick or two and you'll have an idea of what to expect when the BRZ rolls onto dealer lots in spring of next year.

Following the BRZ launch, Subaru will be bringing the XV crossover to North American shores and developing new versions of the turbocharged and all-wheel-driven Impreza WRX and WRX STI models.