New Viziv concept heralds next-gen Subaru WRX STI

SUBARU has uncovered its Viziv Performance STI Concept at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon that is expected to preview the next-generation WRX STI performance hero, the first to be produced on the brand’s new Global Platform.

Building on the Viziv show car revealed during last year’s Tokyo motor show, the new STI-fettled concept sports an eye-catching rear wing, chunky lower air vents and jutting side splitters, as well as signature pink highlights throughout.

Underneath however, the Viziv Performance STI Concept wears near identical bodywork to last year’s show car with the same carbon-fibre and vented wheelarches, sleek C-shaped headlights, prominent hexagonal front grille, LED tail-lights, and quad-exit exhaust outlets.

While little else has been revealed about the show car, the retention of a hood scoop could allude to Subaru sticking with a turbocharged boxer powerplant for its next-generation performance halo model.

However, the ageing 2.5-litre EJ turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine currently powering Australian WRX STI models is expected to be replaced by an updated engine to meet tightening emissions regulations.

The existing WRX STI produces 221kW of power at 6000rpm and 407Nm of torque at 4000rpm, while returning an average fuel economy figure of 10.9 litres per 100km and emitting 252 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.

Whatever form the new engine takes, it is expected to gift the new WRX STI enough performance to keep pace against the 257kW/440Nm Ford Focus RS, 228kW/400Nm Honda Civic Type R and 213kW/380Nm Volkswagen Golf R.

Power will still likely be sent to all four corners via Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system with a multi-mode driver control centre differential (DCDD) and torque vectoring, while a manual gearbox is also expected to be retained for cog-swapping duties.

Following the Impreza and XV, the WRX and WRX STI pair will be built on the Subaru Global Platform that is expected to shed weight, improve occupant comfort and enhance handling characteristics.

Expect to see the near-production-read versions of the WRX and WRX STI next year in time for and expected on-sale date around the turn of the decade.