The beginning of a new year is an interesting time in the motoring world. As the world winds up for the first major motor show – the North American International Auto Show in Detroit – the Tokyo Auto Salon is an often forgotten event that displays some of the stranger creations out there. While it’s primarily a place for tuners to release their latest bits, Subaru often displays a concept or two too. This year, the Japanese brand has revealed the VIZIV Performance STI Concept.
It’s based on the VIZIV Performance Concept (pictured below), a concept that was believed to preview the next-generation Subaru WRX. But as the new name suggests, the VIZIV Performance STI Concept has been fettled with by the Subaru Tecnica International (STI) performance team.
It equips the VIZIV Performance with a range of visual cues including STI-specific front splitter, air intakes, grille, side sills, and a traditionally large STI spoiler, as well as massive flared arches over each wheel that look to have been designed with a set square.
Subaru claims the VIZIV Performance STI Concept “showcases its expertise on enhancing driving performance by developing exclusive exterior parts.”
The sport sedan concept is only a visual one though, with no futuristic or high performance drivetrain alluding to the future of the WRX STi. Sadly, Subaru has a history of releasing incredible concept cars that are followed up by dull production versions. So, for now, let’s just enjoy the VIZIV Performance STI Concept for what it is – the car every petrolheads’ inner 5 year old desperately desires.
