Subaru has revealed the VIZIV Performance STI Concept in full at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon. Based on the VIZIV Performance concept revealed at the Tokyo motor show last year, the STI Performance Concept could be a look ahead at the next generation of Subaru STI models due post-2020.
The VIZIV’s body in white has been carried over from the Tokyo concept, featuring the same pumped box wheel arches and six-sided Subaru face dominating the compact saloon body.
All of this is good news in the wake of Subaru’s announcement that it will kill off the current WRX STI. The need for the next generation car to improve in performance is crucial though, especially considering the STI has remained largely stagnant in terms of its capabilities for the best part of 20 years while rivals have caught and passed it.
Subaru’s inconsistency with the STI brand has come amid exceptional global sales for what is still very much so a niche brand in the region. Sales in the U.S, Japan and Australia have been on a steep growth path for much of the last decade, prompting Subaru to hold onto its motorsport brand for future halo models.
Although we have few insights into a future STI powertrain, Subaru’s adherence to horizontally opposed four-cylinder engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive should form a basis for it. Rumours have persisted regarding a possible application of hybridisation to raise power and reduce emissions, but until Subaru confirms further details this concept is the best look yet we have at the future of STI.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
