This Subaru STI Performance Concept Looks Awesome

Somehow, we completely missed the fact that Subaru had a sweet new concept car planned for the 2015 New York Auto Show in our rundown of NY cars to look out for earlier this week. But, we’re not complaining – this Subaru STI Performance Concept is one of the best surprises we’ve had all year!

Let’s start with intent. Subaru tells us that the STI Performance Concept is meant to “showcase the engineering prowess and tuning capability of STI.” Apparently this concept heralds an attempts to expand their performance sub-brand in the US market. Over the next couple years, they plan to pay a lot more attention to upgraded tuner parts and special performance editions. As far as performance editions go, we’re thrilled they’ve started with the BRZ.

We should make a quick disclaimer here though… This car isn’t meant to be the BRZ STI we’ve all been waiting for. It might be, but Subaru isn’t presenting it that way in New York. Instead, as the name STI Performance Concept implies, it really is meant to be all about the STI brand, not the BRZ car.

Unfortunately, Subaru declined to share any hard specs about this new STI Performance Concept. All they told us is that the concept “features enhancements for chassis, body, and air intake/exhaust systems,” and that the “Concept’s engine is based on the racing engine from the Subaru BRZ Super GT race car.”

Even though it’s a little disappointing that the STI Performance Concept isn’t a prototype for an actual model, we can still hope that this means a BRZ STI is in the not-too-distant future. And either way, we love everything about this concept. The black mesh STI grille with that silver textured insert is crisp, the hallmark STI red accents are eye-catching, the chrome alloys are bold and exciting, and of course you can’t miss that ginormous carbon fiber rear spoiler.

From the back, you can see that Subaru’s added what looks to be carbon fiber rear diffusers and a twin sports exhaust, and even the side skirts look to be made from carbon fiber.

The interior is equally impressive. We love the simple all-black color scheme with only a few red accents. The seats look heavily sculpted for plenty of grip and are upholstered in what looks like a mixture of leather and suede. Looking at the dash, you can make out the “Race Widget” on the color LCD, as well as switches for different driving modes above the air conditioning controls.

In Japan, Subaru’s STI performance models revolve around the BRZ, Forester and of course the WRX STI. We can’t wait to see those cars (and hopefully more models) develop a bigger presence for STI in the US. Click here to read the full press release.