Subaru will bring two STI-equipped prototypes to the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2023, an STI-equipped Subaru Impreza and a complete STI Levorg Sport # prototype. The prototypes will appear alongside a trio of race cars, the Crosstrek Boost Gear Concept, and the compact Rex SUV, also in Boost Gear regalia.
The all-new Impreza was revealed at the LA Auto Show this year but will be showcased in Japanese spec for the first time, complete with STI parts. But before you get your hopes up for a new WRX STI, this is likely to be merely cosmetic upgrades as Subaru will not sell an STI version of the current WRX. Instead, we expect the prototype to be based on the Impresa RS, which debuted with a stiffer chassis and a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 182 horsepower.
The second STI prototype will be more comprehensive and has already been revealed in a solitary teaser shot. The Levorg STI Sport # (Sport Sharp) Prototype wagon is based on the Levorg STI Sport R EX trim and precurses a limited-run production variant. While the brand has not fully detailed its upgrades, it claims the prototype has enhanced stable handling and a premium driving experience. It may be touted as a 'complete STI car,' but we don't expect to see any performance gains. Instead, it will likely retain the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer four-pot shared with the WRX sedan, producing 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque sent to all four corners.
Two crossovers will be showcased in Boost Gear guise: the all-new Crosstrek and the littlest Subaru, the recently-revealed Rex.
With horsepower and torque figures in the low 80s aimed at frugal city driving, the Rex is hardly a hot crossover, but the Boost Gear Concept is likely to be more exciting. The details haven't been provided, but Subaru says improvements made to both crossovers in their transition to Boost Gear form include a scattering of features "which excite an adventurous mind." That likely means off-road body cladding, roof rails, and other accessories that suggest adventure.
Concluding the list of cars to be exhibited are three race cars: The Subaru BRZ GT300 featured in the Super GT 2022 series championship; the WRX NBR Challenge, which will be competing in the NBR Challenge, which forms part of the Nurburgring 24 Hour, in 2023; and the WRX Rally Challenge 2023 entered in the Japanese rally competition next year.
The Tokyo Auto Salon runs from 13 to 15 January 2023 in Chiba, Japan, and promises exciting exhibits ranging from Liberty Walk's world-first widebody Ferrari F40 to the giant kidney grille-focused BMW booth.