It’s hard… not to get excited at the sight of a concept car like this one, the Subaru STI Performance Concept shown at the 2015 New York Auto Show. After all, this is precisely what the wet dreams of every BRZ owner are made of.
The ultimate version of Subaru’s one and only rear-wheel drive coupe is said to be powered by an engine derived from the BRZ GT300 race car that took Japanese circuits by storm. We’re not supposed to know exactly how much power that translates to, but the boxer-powered track tool is limited to a very respectable 300 hp.
Shut up and take my money!
The BRZ has also borrowed widened tracks, larger wheels carbon fiber inserts and a massive rear wing. The chassis and steering system have been honed for the track, and it’s also much better looking.
Even though there are thousands of people who would order one right now, Subaru says not to get our hopes up. The press statement doesn’t say anything about the chances of this car ever entering production with a 300 horsepower turbo engine. But the concept previews the arrival of an expanded Subaru Tecnica International (STI) experience through US dealerships and more motorsports activities (rallycross team was confirmed today).
Reading between the lines, we think this means factory tuning parts will be made available, such as fully adjustable suspension, track tires and so on. Remember, Subaru USA is crazy about making Tribeca and Foresters for discrete, older customers and has stuck an old engine into the brand new chassis of the 2015 WRX STI. Bummer!
“At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car,” said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. “When we achieve this balance, the driver feels that the car is easy to handle and reliable, and he can use it fully to the limits of its performance. Our plan is to produce cars and accessories that drivers can really enjoy.”
