Subaru will join the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 with a bunch of interesting concept cars that were previewed today in a press release. The most important launch will be the STI E-RA Concept signalling the electric era of the performance brand, but we are also going to see “STI Performance” variants of the WRX S4, Levorg, and BRZ in concept form.
The STI E-RA Concept is described as a
“study model of motorsport vehicles for the carbon-neutral era,” so don’t get
your hopes up for a production vehicle anytime soon since this is probably a
racing car prototype. However, as suggested by the teaser, the model will
introduce new design elements that could be used in future Subaru vehicles like
the C-shaped LED headlights mounted on the fenders, the double vented bonnet,
the red illuminated STI badge on the low nose, and the front bumper with a
prominent splitter. Subaru didn’t give us details on the powertrain, other than
it will be fully electric. Besides the motorsport concept for the new era,
Subaru will also showcase three “STI Performance” concepts of the WRX S4, the
Levorg, and the BRZ. The first one was previewed in an official picture showing
additional aero components, which will likely be the case with the other two as
well.
Compared to the WRX S4 STI Sport R that is
already on sale in Japan and served as a base for the concept, the new aero
includes a splitter, side sills and rear bumper extensions painted in pink,
matching mirror caps and STI emblem, plus a large carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
The bumpers seem to be slightly redesigned for a sportier look while there is a
new set of black rims shod in performance tires. We are not sure if there will
be any mechanical upgrades over the production model but Subaru also mentioned
a performance muffler.
Similarly, the Levorg STI Performance
concept will be based on the recently announced Levorg STI Sport R trim. It
will feature cherry red accents on the additional aero components, a
performance muffler, plus items “that will improve the usability” of the
performance-oriented wagon. As for the BRZ STI Performance concept, it will add
performance parts to the BRZ S grade painted in the same cherry red shade.
Lastly, the BRZ GT300 2021 racing car that won the class victory this year will
be also exhibited at the Subaru booth, where the automaker will make
announcements for the 2022 motorsport team. A lucky visitor of the Tokyo Auto
Salon 2022 will drive away in a brand new WRX STI Sport R EX that will be this
years’ questionnaire prize.