Los Angeles Auto Show: Subaru BRZ Concept STI

The Subaru BRZ Concept STI, the final concept form of the much previewed rear-wheel-drive compact sports coupe, has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, looking all brash despite still missing an interior. A joint-project between Toyota and Subaru, the BRZ STI is finished in traditional Subaru STI World Rally blue paint, and wears STI bits that are not likely to make it onto the production version to be showcased in Tokyo in December.

Differentiating the Subaru BRZ STI from the standard version are lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, a lower front spoiler, a weight-saving carbon-fibre roof, a large rear wing, a massive rear diffuser and twin dual-tailpipes. Also standard but not obvious to the eye are performance tyres, STI-tuned suspension and Brembo brakes on this hot BRZ version.

Thanks to a Boxer engine installed as low as possible, along with lightweight parts such as the carbon-fibre roof, the Subaru BRZ STI has one of the lowest centres of gravity compared with any current production car. Developed exclusively for the BRZ, the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated horizontally-opposed four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine uses Toyota's D-4S direct fuel injection technology, producing an output in the region of 200 horses, which go to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox; a six-speed automatic gearbox, available with the Toyota FT-86, has not yet been announced for the BRZ. Enjoy the live gallery of the Subaru BRZ Concept STI below!