Subaru STI Performance Concept unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show - Live Photos The STI Performance Concept does show that Subaru sees a future for its rear-drive coupe in the American market, and that it wants to cater to enthusiasts. Stage two, which will happen in roughly the next year and a half, is to bring an STI-tuned version of the BRZ to the US, not unlike the JDM BRZ tS. Selling a car like the tS stateside – that is to say a BRZ with suspension and handling upgrades, but not more power – is a simpler process than redeveloping the entire car for a turbocharged powertrain. If the timeframe Subaru discussed in Japan holds true, such a BRZ variant could show up for the 2017 model year, though probably not sooner. Stage three, likely two to three years away, is harder to discern. But reading the tea leaves suggests that time frame is in the zone for a next-generation BRZ, which could be engineered with an STI version in mind. The cost of certifying a totally new model for US emissions and safety regulations is prohibitive for a small automaker like Subaru, but baking it into the product plan from the start reduces that expense. The truly good news is that Subaru is committed to expanding the profile of the STI brand in the US, and that commitment is part of business plan through 2020. It means that the BRZ will be around for years to come and, just as important, STI's brand expansion is a key component of Subaru's overall mission. Which means, in turn, that STI will need product that you and I care about to meet its goals. So, the STI Performance Concept will not morph into a BRZ STI next year. Sorry to repeat that bad news. The good news, for the patient and the willing, is that it will transform the future Subaru models for the better. Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Source: http://ift.tt/1CxiM4M Music: "Hitman" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://ift.tt/oKTIFM. Subaru STI Performance Concept unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show - Live Photos
Subaru STI Performance Concept unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show - Live Photos
Subaru STI Performance Concept unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show - Live Photos The STI Performance Concept does show that Subaru sees a future for its rear-drive coupe in the American market, and that it wants to cater to enthusiasts. Stage two, which will happen in roughly the next year and a half, is to bring an STI-tuned version of the BRZ to the US, not unlike the JDM BRZ tS. Selling a car like the tS stateside – that is to say a BRZ with suspension and handling upgrades, but not more power – is a simpler process than redeveloping the entire car for a turbocharged powertrain. If the timeframe Subaru discussed in Japan holds true, such a BRZ variant could show up for the 2017 model year, though probably not sooner. Stage three, likely two to three years away, is harder to discern. But reading the tea leaves suggests that time frame is in the zone for a next-generation BRZ, which could be engineered with an STI version in mind. The cost of certifying a totally new model for US emissions and safety regulations is prohibitive for a small automaker like Subaru, but baking it into the product plan from the start reduces that expense. The truly good news is that Subaru is committed to expanding the profile of the STI brand in the US, and that commitment is part of business plan through 2020. It means that the BRZ will be around for years to come and, just as important, STI's brand expansion is a key component of Subaru's overall mission. Which means, in turn, that STI will need product that you and I care about to meet its goals. So, the STI Performance Concept will not morph into a BRZ STI next year. Sorry to repeat that bad news. The good news, for the patient and the willing, is that it will transform the future Subaru models for the better. Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Source: http://ift.tt/1CxiM4M Music: "Hitman" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://ift.tt/oKTIFM. Subaru STI Performance Concept unveiled at the 2015 New York International Auto Show - Live Photos
