Keen on capitalizing on its strong American reception, Subaru is looking to add more performance versions of its existing models. And while a much-anticipated hotter BRZ coupe is on the cards, it may not come with more power.
In an interview with Automotive News, Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said the U.S. would get an STI-tuned version of the BRZ in a couple of years – the BRZ STI Performance concept shown this month at the New York Auto Show serving as a teaser.
The concept sported a 345-horsepower turbocharged engine, which has basically been ruled out for a production version. But McHale said a BRZ STI would be there to raise the profile of the STI cars, meaning it would still get a host of modifications like the body kit, bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and other enhancements.
That appears to be the strategy to growing the STI line outside of the WRX STI, the only performance model Subaru offers in the U.S. now. But having previously built STI versions of the Legacy and Forester in Japan, one could guess the company is looking at introducing hotter versions of its more mainstream products.
And that could convince some of Subaru’s most loyal followers that the company hasn’t gone completely normal in the name of increased sales. Stay tuned.
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