Subaru teases Forester STI and Impreza STI ahead of TAS

MANILA: Subaru has teased the Forester STI and Impreza STI concept models ahead of their official unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Salon that kicks off on January 11th 2019. Notably, STI, short for “Subaru Tecnica International”, denotes that they are the pepped-up versions of the existing models. Both the new models will be Subaru’s flagships at the show.

The Forester STI Concept sports a new look, fairly aggressive in appearance than the previous version. Under its hood, it gets a 2.0-litre e-Boxer hybrid engine, performance of which is claimed to be refined by Subaru. Though power figures are not revealed yet. The existing model produces a modest 145 PS power and 188 Nm torque. It gets the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, mated to a CVT transmission. The Forester STI will be showcased in “Fighter grey” color option.

Impreza STI, on the other hand, is the pepped-up version of the existing hatchback from the stable of Subaru. The STI Concept variant will be sporty and aggressive in the looks department, thanks to the STI body kit, blacked-out front grille, and two-tone paint job. Not much is revealed regarding the Impreza STI yet, but Subaru mentions that it will come with 'Bordeaux' interior, which might mean an upscaled interior in comparison to the existing model.

These concept models will be a preview of the styling features that we can expect from Subaru for its future models. Moreover, these cars are built on their new SGP (Subaru Global Platform); which, according to Subaru, will offer better riding comfort, engine refinement, enhanced safety features and handling features.