Officially called the Subaru BRZ Concept-STI, the lightweight coupe will have rear-wheel drive, breaking from the brand’s all-wheel-drive tradition. The BRZ will likely use a more powerful version of the new naturally aspirated, direct-injection, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine first offered in the redesigned Impreza. The flat-four engine is mounted low and behind the front wheels to lower the car’s center of gravity, and thereby aid handling and weight distribution.
The concept car will have a suspension tuned by the STI performance/motorsports division; it will also come with Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels and tires. The body shown in this picture has a carbon-fiber roof, aero-tuned lower front spoiler, and vented rear bumper. We’ll learn more about the production plans when we attend the upcoming LA Auto Show in two weeks, where the concept will make its public debut.
Meanwhile, we heard that the high-performance turbocharged WRX and STi versions of the Impreza will not move to the new Impreza design. Instead they will soldier on in their current form until the BRZ debuts in spring 2012. But there’s no word on whether the hot-rod sedans will be redesigned or even continue after that.
Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/11/2011-la-auto-show-preview-subaru-brz-concept-sti.html
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