Here in the U.S., the Subaru STI is the most extreme version of the WRX all-wheel-drive performance compact, but in Japan, there are STI versions of numerous Subaru->ke86 products. That could soon be the case in North America as well, as the unveiling of the Subaru STI Performance Concept at the New York Auto Show->ke226 indicates the brand's intent to expand STI's offering's on this side of the ocean.

The BRZ-based STI Performance Concept heralds Subaru's announcement that its race-engineering arm will expand its lineup of dealer-installed high-performance parts. This also means more STI models. In Japan, both the BRZ->ke3973 and Forester->ke1151 have high-performance versions modified by STI. There's a good chance that a car similar to the hot BRZ on Subaru's stage will make it to the streets.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru STI Performance Concept.

2015 Subaru STI Performance Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Subaru STI Performance Concept
Pros
Cons

Exterior

What’s so special about it? The modified bodywork is the most obvious change.The STI Performance Concept is more extreme than the limited-production, Japanese market BRZ tS. Both cars sport tall carbon-fiber wings and deeper airdams front and rear. The STI Performance Concept has more aggressive air intakes in the front and rear fascias that would be functional pieces, pulling air away from hot brakes and improving underbody aerodynamics. The STI Performance Concept also appears to have a carbon-fiber roof panel to help lower the center of gravity.

Interior

Expect interior upgrades on an STI-modified BRZ to be similar to the current STI: aggressively bolstered performance seats (with Alcantara and STI logos, of course), a family steering wheel, and a functional array of auxiliary gauges. The BRZ is already a fairly focused performance vehicle, so STI doesn’t have much work to do.

Drivetrain

Though the STI Performance Concept is equipped with the 300-horsepower, 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine used in the BRZ GT300 racer that campaigns in the Super GT series in Japan, a roadgoing version would have a more production-friendly powerplant. A turbocharged 2.0 liter similar to the current STI’s would certainly fit, and the BRZ is more than capable of handling the power.

Competition

This is an interesting move for Subaru. The STI-badged WRX has traditionally been seen as a roadgoing rally car and direct competitor to the Mitsubishi Evo, but by expanding STI's range Subaru could find itself challenging many new cars, from the Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis Coupe to the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series, depending on which vehicles STI chooses to enhance.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

An STI-badged BRZ would find itself quickly in the crosshairs of Hyundai's large sports coupe. Although they're different vehicles, Hyundai's push to make the Genesis Coupe a tuner darling would pit the larger, V6 or V8-powered rear-driver against an STI BRZ in short order. Read our full review here.

Audi SQ5

In a very different direction, an STI-pumped Forester could be a challenger to Audi's upcoming sport crossover. Lowered suspension, all-wheel drive and a hot engine make the SQ5 an amazing all-around performer that doesn't sacrifice utility. Read our full review here.

Conclusion

Subaru’s expected rollout of additional performance parts means that there will definitely be chassis and braking upgrades in store for the BRZ and possibly other Subarus. Like Mercedes’ AMG, BMW’s M and other in-house racing groups, STI plans to adapt its race-engineered upgrades for roadgoing cars. The BRZ tS is another good predictor here, with its Brembo brakes, upgraded coil springs and struts, STI driveshaft and unique 18-inch wheels.