Subaru brought a number of models at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, but the only production model was the Levorg STI Sport # set to be offered in a limited number of 500 units exclusively for the Japanese market.
The car is based on the flagship Levorg STI Sport R EX trim, but takes things further with the addition of STI Performance Parts. As a result, this is the sportiest production version of the Levorg yet, and in our eyes, it looks better than the STI Performance concept from last year.
Read: Subaru Celebrates Super GT Champion With Levorg ‘Takuty’ Special Edition
The highlight of the exterior updates is the new set of 19-inch BBS forged alloy wheels with a dark finish and STI branding on the center caps. The fancy wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires measuring 225/40R19. The rest of the bodykit is carried over from the Levorg STI Sport R, including the grille, front splitter, mirror caps, and roof spoiler extension, all finished in black. The rear end is probably the coolest part of the estate featuring dual tailpipes and a red STI emblem on the tailgate.
Inside, Subaru added a pair of Recaro bucket seats upholstered in ultra suede and synthetic leather with silver stitching and the STI emblem on the headrests. The dashboard and the door cards are also covered in suede, while the center console is wrapped in leather. Other sporty accents include the black roofliner, the flat-bottom steering wheel, and the aluminum pedals.
Under the bonnet lies the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) just like in the WRX. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through a CVT gearbox with a virtual eight-speed manual mode and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The transmission has been upgraded with a performance oil cooler and a new control unit.
As with the regular Levorg STI Sport trims, the special edition comes equipped with adaptive dampers. However, Subaru engineers tweaked the chassis using STI Performance parts for improving its steering stability, ride quality, and handling. Those include an STI-branded strut tower brace at the front and flexible draw stiffeners on both ends.
Subaru will accept orders for the Levorg STI Sport # in Japan between January 26 and May 12. The automaker didn’t announce pricing which is expected to be higher compared to other widely available trims. The sporty estate is sharing the exhibition floor in Tokyo with the JDM-spec Impreza fitted with STI Parts, two Boost Gear concepts based on the Crosstrek and the Rex, plus a bunch of racecars/rally cars.
