Subaru STI Performance Concept, a dream BRZ

Subaru has unveiled, on the occasion of the New York Auto Show this week, a new concept that is generating a lot of buzz.

It is the STI Performance Concept, something like a supercharged BRZ that is delighting every car enthusiast worth their salt.

We all know the BRZ, a small retro-styled coupé jointly developed with Toyota, which in turn sells the GT86, its twin. With a very carefully crafted design and very specific technical features, the BRZ has become a benchmark for driving purists thanks to its naturally aspirated 200 CV boxer engine, its manual gearbox and its rear-wheel drive, which give it a tremendously addictive character.

However, one of the most common criticisms of the BRZ has been the lack of a spicier edge, some extra power to take on better-known rivals.
With the STI Performance Concept, Subaru has put its cards on the table, showing that, if it wants to, it can.

The exterior design of this prototype is based on the road-going BRZ; however, it offers a much more aggressive, more sporty look. At first glance it looks like a race BRZ thanks to the huge air intakes in the front, the forged BBS wheels, the massive rear spoiler over the boot, or the twin centrally mounted exhaust outlets integrated into a diffuser finished in carbon fibre.

Inside we find Recaro bucket seats that guarantee excellent grip, as well as real carbon fibre trim and a steering wheel with various chassis controls. As a prototype, other details have been added, such as metal buttons or a large screen that could be used to operate the infotainment system.

Mechanically the STI Performance Concept departs from its road-going sibling, since this prototype uses the same engine as the competition version, the BRZ GT300. It is a supercharged version of the 2.0 boxer which, although the power output has not been disclosed for this prototype, is around 300 CV and 450 NM in the race version. Besides the engine, the STI Performance Concept receives other delicacies such as an upgraded suspension set signed by Bilstein, as well as a brake system with fixed calipers from the specialist Brembo.

Source | Subaru

Technical specifications of this car

CoupeSubaru BRZ1 version · from 43,000 €