Subaru BRZ Concept STI:

The highly anticipated Subaru BRZ Concept STI made its debut today at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in order to prepare us for the production model that is scheduled to appear at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan on November 30 before it goes on sale worldwide next spring.
The BRZ is the outcome of the team-up between Toyota and Subaru, and it's a sister model to the Toyota FT-86 and the Scion FR-S rear-wheel drive coupes, and as such, all three models share the same platform and mechanical hardware including the Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat-four engine upgraded with Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology.

A six speed manual gearbox will transfer power to the rear wheels. It remains to be seen if Subaru will also offer a six-speed automatic transmission that was announced for the Toyota FT-86.

The BRZ's looks are very close to the FT-86 with some subtle styling differences taking place up front and at the back. However, the LA Auto Show concept car has been kitted out with a number of STI goods such as the aero kit that brings a new lower front spoiler and a large rear wing along with a carbon-fiber roof.

The prototype is finished in the traditional Subaru STI blue paint scheme while it also features 18-inch multispoke alloy wheels dressed in high-performance tires size 215/45R18 at the front and 225/45R18 at the rear.

We expect to hear more news about the production model within the next week or so, but in the meantime, scroll down to check out Subaru's bullet-point press blurb as well as the updated gallery with live photos from the LA Auto Show and a new promo video.

Styling

• By installing the Boxer engine as low as possible, the low hood and sleek roofline together compose a sophisticated form. This is also blended with STI performance touches for a Subaru sporting profile.
• A hexagonal lower front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps make the front face instantly recognizable as Subaru.
• STI-made lower front spoiler and rear wing magnify down-force and aerodynamics performance. They allow stable straight driving and excellent handling at high speeds.
• The rear design with bold rear fender flares, large rear-diffuser, and twin dual tailpipes intensifies the STI performance feel.
• A carbon-fiber roof, already installed in a WRX STI model and highly acclaimed, has been employed by the concept car. With it, extra weight reduction and an even lower center of gravity were achieved, contributing considerably to the ultimate handling performance this concept model aims to offer.
• The lively exterior color “WR Blue Pearl II” is a new generation of the iconic WR blue paint scheme that emphasizes the racing image.
Engine
• The Boxer engine has inherent qualities of light weight, compactness, low center of gravity, and high rigidity – all pointing toward its great potential as a sports car engine. Taking full advantage of these features, a 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder direct fuel-injection gasoline engine has been developed exclusively for BRZ.
• The engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm. Combined with Toyota’s D-4S direct injection technology (fuel injection system), high output and high environmental standards were both attained, both expected of a new generation sports car.
Chassis and Body
• Compared with other Subaru models, the engine in SUBARU BRZ CONCEPT - STI - sits an impressive 120 mm lower and is positioned 240 mm closer to the center of the chassis. As a result, this car has achieved one of the lowest possible center of gravity in cars on the market today.
• By incorporating lightweight parts such as a carbon-fiber roof, the overall weight has been reduced. Subaru has also succeeded in attaining a body structure that is both lightweight and highly rigid in a striking balance. The concept car is the embodiment of pure driving enjoyment only obtainable with a “Boxer sports car”.
• Its unique handling performance has been remarkably refined by adopting STI’s lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires and STI tuned suspension with excellent lateral stiffness.
• Brembo brakes enhance braking performance.
Major Specifications
Overall Length × Width × Height (mm): 4,230 × 1,800 × 1,280
Wheelbase (mm): 2,570
Engine Type: 2.0-liter direct fuel injection naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder
Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine
Tires: 215/45R18 (Front), 225/45R18 (Rear)