Subaru Forester And Impreza STI Concepts Will Debut Next Month

High-performance crossovers used to be a bit of an oxymoron until such niches in all main segments were established by BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The latest company to join the fray is Subaru, which will unveil the Forester STI concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Set to debut on January 11th, the Forester STI concept features an exclusive Fighter Gray exterior with unique 19-inch aluminum wheels and a high-performance Brembo braking system which features six-piston calipers up front.

The concept also sports a revised grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and STI badging, a more aggressive front bumper and dive planes. Other notable styling changes include extended side skirts and a modified rear bumper with yellow accents.

Subaru is keeping performance specifications under wraps, but said the crossover has a “further refined” e-Boxer powertrain. That isn’t much to go on, but the standard Forester e-Boxer has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which is backed up by an electric motor that produces 12 hp (10 kW / 13 PS) and 48 lb-ft (65 Nm) of torque. This gives the crossover a combined 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) and 138 lb-ft (188 Nm) of torque, though the STI will boast a significantly higher output.

Besides the Forester STI, Subaru will showcase an Impreza STI concept, too. Little is known about the hatchback, but it features an aerodynamic body kit that includes a front splitter and extended side skirts.

The model has also been equipped with a revised grille, a contrasting black roof and lightweight alloy wheels. We can also see a new rear bumper which has a center-mounted dual exhaust system.

Subaru will also display a Levorg and WRX STI which have been equipped with an assortment of STI performance parts. The company didn’t say much about it, but the WRX STI will have Recaro seats and 19-inch BBS wheels with a gold finish.