Subaru will join the 2017 Tokyo Auto Salon next month with no fewer than six different cars, including a couple of concepts cars wearing the STi badge, one of which is the BRZ STi Sport. Although the BRZ STi isn't exactly a new idea, the Tokyo-bound concept brings new features and may represent yet another step toward a production model with actual STi upgrades.

Details as to what it may bring to the table are scant and there's just one picture to go by, but Subaru promises "exclusive exterior and interior parts," and more importantly, "STi-tuned driving performance." What that means is yet unknown, but the preliminary photo shows a BRZ with a more aggressive bumper, an STi badge, sporty looking side skirts, new multi-spoke wheels, and what seem to be red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

Hopefully the brakes aren't the only upgrade in the drivetrain department and the BRZ finally gets the extra horsepower it deserves. If previous STi Sport models are any indication, the BRZ is also in for adjustable Bilstein dampers, firmer springs, and a revised power steering system.

The coupe won't be the only STi Sport Concept shown in Tokyo, as Subaru will also showcase a version based on the WRX S4. The Japanese firm will also bring a Levorg and Impreza G4 with STi performance parts, the WRX STi NBR Challenge 2016 race car, which won two consecutive championships in the SP3T class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and the BRZ GT300 2016 created for Super GT racing.

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Why it matters

Although the BRZ STi Sport concept looks pretty fetching in the only picture we have access to right now, I will prevent myself from getting too excited until the Tokyo Auto Show begins and a spec sheet becomes available. Both Toyota and Subaru have had a disappointing strategy regarding the GT86 and BRZ ever since the coupe arrived in showrooms and, to be honest, I don't expect that to change anytime soon. The BRZ could use a more aggressive appearance as showcased by this concept, but it's in dire need of a more powerful engine with forced induction. Maybe the concept will finally get it, but if that happens, there's no guarantee that Subaru will actually roll out a production model later on. I think the BRZ is a fantastic sports car as far as bang for the buck goes, but I'm a skeptic when it comes to performance upgrades and it won't change until Subaru does something about it.

Read our full review on the 2017 Subaru BRZ here.