Subaru BRZ Concept STI

A final preview of the upcoming rear-drive sports car.

NOVEMBER 2011 BY ALEXANDER STOKLOSA MULTIPLE PHOTOGRAPHERS

One might think of the upcoming 2012 Subaru BRZ as a steak thrown at the feet of a hungry dog, one whose leash is just short enough to keep it from savoring the goods. Previous sightings include two chassis studies by Subaru, three concepts from coconspirator Toyota, and piles of spy photos. Heck, we’ve already driven a prototype—and it was fantastic. But that car was still camo’d, so this BRZ STI concept—headed to the L.A. auto show later this month—is the first time we’ve seen the Subaru version in bare sheetmetal.

Predictable Looks

That’s not to say this is the final sheetmetal: Subaru and Toyota have an agreement not to show any actual bodywork until the finished cars are shown later this month in Tokyo. But the underlying car mostly fits what we expect to see; while the STI treatment is certainly new, leaked images out of Japan earlier this month revealed the production version of the Toyota FT-86. The Toyota will share everything but its fascias with the Subaru, so this concept’s general shapes aren’t going to change very much. (The Toyota will be sold here as the Scion FR-S.)

If an STI version of the BRZ is produced—and this concept looks like a good sign—this show car indicates that it should look the part. There’s a big wing bolted to the rear deck, and an aggressive rear diffuser and quad exhaust outlets. The STI concept’s roof panel is carbon fiber, and the car’s muscular, pumped-out fender flares are as awesome as the BMW 1-series M’s. The front end is dominated by a gaping, hexagonal grille opening and a pair of squinty headlights. Even with the addenda, the STI concept’s styling appears clean, attractive, and not overly fussy.

Three Letters, No Turbo


The concept also shaves weight (from a nonexistent car; guess we’ll have to take Subie’s word for it), and adds an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and its own 18-inch wheels. There’s no turbo mentioned here, but that’s hardly a shock, as it would be tacit admission that such a car is on the way and potentially harm initial sales of the basic model. That said, we expect a halo STI model to feature forced induction for its 2.0-liter boxer four. We already know that any BRZ—STI or otherwise—will be rear-wheel drive, and that there will be no AWD option. Beyond displacement and its fuel-delivery system—direct injection, in case you need a reminder—the only other powerplant detail Subaru reveals here is that the engine will be square, with its bore and stroke both measuring 86 mm.

So we’ll still have to wait a little while to dig into that juicy steak, but this STI concept is a tasty appetizer—we just wish it arrived with more details on its menu.