2011 Subaru BRZ STI Concept

Subaru of America, Inc. reveals an all-new concept version of its upcoming BRZ sports car at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Subaru BRZ STI Concept represents the next step in lightweight performance sports cars combined with the race-bred refinements of STI, a performance brand of Subaru.

The first BRZ concept car to be shown with bodywork, the Subaru BRZ STI Concept strongly hints at the styling of the production BRZ and features unique STI performance features.

Styling

Sleek, low and tightly-coiled bodywork blends with STI performance touches for a sporting profile. A hexagonal lower front grille, hawk eye headlights and fin-shaped fog lamps are instantly recognizable as Subaru. The exterior color "WR Blue Pearl II" is a new generation of the iconic WR blue paint scheme that has adorned both racing and production STI's.

The body is set-off with aero-tuned lower front spoiler, unique rear fascia and a rear wing for added down-force. A carbon-fiber roof has been added to lower the center of gravity (CoG), which will be

one of the lowest of any car made. The rear design features bold rear fender flares and large rear-diffuser giving way to polished stainless-steel quad-tailpipes. Vented rear bumper corners contribute to improved aerodynamics performance.

Engine

The concept car employs the totally new Subaru "FA" BOXER™ engine exclusively designed for the RWD BRZ sports car. In order to achieve properties best-suited for the BRZ sports car, the overall structure of this 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine has been designed with a square bore and stroke of 86 X 86 mm. The inherent qualities of the Subaru BOXER engine were mated to a direct injection fuel system, which further improves combustion efficiency, running smoothness up to high rpm and high environmental standards.

Chassis

The lightened Subaru BRZ STI Concept features an STI-tuned suspension, Brembo™ brakes and unique 18-inch wheels and tires. The Subaru-engineered and built chassis boasts a rigid frame housing a two-plus-two interior and front engine/rear-wheel drive layout. With the engine mounted low and rearward in the engine compartment near-perfect balance is achieved.

The Subaru BRZ STI Concept is designed to combine lightweight, a low polar moment and razor-sharp reflexes for the ultimate handling machine. The low engine placement also allows for a very low and blade-like hood design. Short front and rear overhangs reduce the yaw moment of inertia.

Compared with other Subaru models, which already feature a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution, the engine in the Subaru BRZ STI Concept sits even lower. It is 4.7 inches lower and is positioned 9.4 inches closer to the center of the chassis compared to a Subaru Impreza.

The first RWD Subaru, the production Subaru BRZ will begin production in spring 2012 as the only mass-produced front-engine, BOXER engine rear-wheel drive sports car in the world.