Subaru and its tuning division, STI shows that it’s “proud of boxer” with a slew of racing and racing-inspired machines at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon. STI also used this opportunity to outline their motorsports activities for the year.

With the BRZ competing at Japan’s top-tier racing series, Super GT, Subaru STI will continue to compete in the GT300 class with the BRZ GT300. For this year though, it will feature refinements such as a lightened body, improved aerodynamics, inertia moment minimization, and enhanced engine performance. The only detailed change given during the show is the size of the front tires which grow from 300/680R18 to 330/710R18 to enhance cornering and braking.


Joining the BRZ GT300 is the Subaru BRZ STI Performance Concept. Still a concept at this point, this tricked out BRZ features suspension and brake enhancements as well as other exterior and interior upgrades. It’s a thoroughly modified car powered by a 350-horsepower, 450 Nm of torque 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (EJ20).

Subaru STI is also aiming to defend its class win at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. 2016 marks the ninth year for Subaru STI to participate (winning three times) and for this year, they’re using an improved version of their 2015 challenger, the VA series WRX STI. Regulation changes through smaller restrictors amount to the biggest engineering challenge for this year as are new tires (switching from Dunlop to Falken).


Aside from the Nürburgring challenger, the STI BRZ Performance Concept, and the BRZ GT300, Subaru and STI showed off the Levorg STI Concept featuring new alloy wheels and STI-tuned dampers. Inside, it has a two-tone red-wine and black interior. A STI tuned version of the revamped XV Hybrid was also shown with orange accents added to the new Quartz White Silica color. It also rocks STI sports parts while the interior has a two-tone orange and beige execution.



Finally, Subaru and STI also had a couple of their Japan Rally cars on display. Based on the new VA series WRX STI, these cars have 2.0-liter turbocharged engines (EJ20) capped off at 280 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque.