Subaru BRZ Concept-STI : First Look

18/Nov/2011

Subaru's BRZ Concept-STI (Subaru Tecnica International) sports car has been unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show, ahead of the month end reveal of the production BRZ at Tokyo Motor Show.

The new rear-wheel drive compact sports car features a horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, enabling an ultra-low centre of gravity - producing what Subaru describes as a "pure handling delight".

The BRZ Concept–STI displayed in Los Angeles features styling cues developed by  Subaru's STI performance division.

BRZ Concept–STI Styling

The hexagonal lower front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps make the front instantly recognisable as a Subaru.

An STI-made lower front spoiler and rear wing magnify down-force and aerodynamic performance, while aiding stable straight driving and excellent handling at high speeds.

The rear design, with bold wheel arch flares, large rear-diffuser and twin dual tailpipes, intensifies the STI performance feel.

A carbon fibre roof is used – a highly acclaimed feature already installed in a WRX STI model in Japan. This reduces weight and also contributes to the low centre of gravity and amazing handling.

The lively exterior colour is "WR Blue Pearl II" - a new generation of Subaru's WR blue paint scheme, emphasizing the racing image.

Engine

The BRZ Concept–STI's Subaru Boxer engine has inherent qualities of light weight, compact size, low centre of gravity, and high rigidity - all of which point toward its great potential in a sports car. 

The 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct fuel-injection petrol engine has been developed specifically for the BRZ.

The engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 x 86mm. Combined with Toyota's D-4S direct injection technology (fuel injection system), high output and high environmental standards result.

Chassis and Body

Compared to other Subaru models, the engine sits an impressive 120 mm lower and is positioned 240 mm closer to the centre of the chassis. As a result, it achieves one of the lowest possible centres of gravity compared to other cars on the market today.

By including lightweight parts such as the carbon fibre roof, the overall weight has been reduced. The body structure is both lightweight and highly rigid.

Its unique handling performance has been refined by adopting STI's lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires and STI tuned suspension with excellent lateral stiffness, while Brembo brakes enhance braking performance.

Major Specifications

Overall Length × Width × Height (mm) : 4230 × 1800 × 1280

Wheelbase (mm): 2570

Engine: 2.0-litre direct fuel injection naturally-aspirated four-cylinder horizontally-opposed Boxer engine

Tyres: 215/45R18 (Front), 225/45R18 (Rear)

Related Links:
- STI Subaru Forester tS (2010)
- Subaru Concept L.A Auto Show (2010)
- Subaru WRX & WRX STI (2011)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2011)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2011)
- Subaru WRX STI Carbon (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C (2009)
- Subaru WRX STI 20th Anniversary (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (2009)
- Subaru Impreza Sedan (2009)
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza WRX (Road Test)
- Subaru Impreza World Rally Car (2008)