Subaru's BRZ STI Concept. Image: Subaru
The Subaru BRZ and it’s platform-sharing cousin, the Toyota FT-86 (or Scion FR-S) won’t be unveiled until the Tokyo Motor Show, which kicks off at the end of this month. Subaru chose to show an “STI concept” of its upcoming BRZ sports coupe, and we suspect that the final product will look a lot like what you see here. The wing may not make production versions (especially in base model trim), and the aero package may be slightly less aggressive, but the basic lines of the car should be nearly identical, and we say that’s a good thing.
Subaru's BRZ STI Concept. Image: Subaru
Subaru's BRZ STI Concept. Image: Subaru
Subaru is careful not to reveal many details about the car, and it isn’t yet clear if an STI version will be produced (but we certainly hope so). The engine in the show car is a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter boxer-four, but Subaru isn’t saying what kind of horsepower it will produce. We’ve heard “under 300,” but seriously doubt that Subaru is making that much from a 2.0-liter engine without forced induction. Maybe that’s a sign that a turbocharged STI version is in the works after all.
Subaru's BRZ STI Concept. Image: Subaru
Subaru's BRZ STI Concept. Image: Subaru
Here’s what we do know about the BRZ: it’s designed to have a very low center of gravity for optimized handling, and it’s going to be front-engine, rear-drive in layout. Aside from that, anything else is just speculation, so we’ll wait another two weeks for the details.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
