• Concept showcases Subaru Tecnica International (STI) vehicle performance capabilities
• Concept features enhancements for chassis, body, and air intake/exhaust systems
• Concept’s engine is based on the racing engine from the Subaru BRZ Super GT race car

Subaru of America, Inc. today unveiled the STI Performance Concept at the New York International Auto Show.

The STI Performance Concept signifies a plan for U.S.-expansion of Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance division of Subaru, in its three core business areas; aftermarket parts, STI-tuned cars and motorsports.

The expansion has already begun, with STI-engineered parts replacing Subaru Performance Tuning (SPT) aftermarket parts in the U.S. market, and with STI’s increasing engineering presence in Subaru of America’s Global RallyCross team.

In the future, further models tuned by STI will be available in the US. These cars could feature more extensive modifications from the factory than previously offered, such as suspension, performance, braking, chassis and aerodynamic upgrades.

“At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car,” said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. “When we achieve this balance, the driver feels that the car is easy to handle and reliable, and he can use it fully to the limits of its performance. Our plan is to produce cars and accessories that drivers can really enjoy.”

The STI Performance Concept is a showcase for the engineering prowess and tuning capability of STI, featuring the racing engine developed by STI for the BRZ Super GT racecar, suspension and chassis components and aerodynamic upgrades.

Complete cars (extensive tuning by STI) and performance parts available now in Japan focus on the WRX STI, Forester and BRZ models. The Japanese domestic market uses the nomenclature “S model” as its naming for the WRX STI and uses “tS” on BRZ and Forester vehicles that have STI components, but a naming convention for any future US models has not yet been established.

STI was founded as Subaru parent company Fuji Heavy Industries’ motor sports division in 1988. In 1989, a first-generation Subaru Legacy, tuned by STI, broke the FIA-certified world speed record over 100,000 kilometers. From there, STI moved on to the World Rally Championship, winning 3 constructors championships and 3 driver championships for Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg. It currently competes in the Nurburgring 24 Hour Challenge race winning its class two times in 2011 and 2012 and also in the Super GT series with its BRZ-based Super GT.

Senior editor Chris Nelson heads to Suzuka Circuit, home of the Grand Prix of Japan, to drive the Subaru BRZ tS Tuned by STI and explains why it's not the Subaru BRZ STI you've been waiting for.

“At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car,” said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of Subaru Tecnica International, Inc.

Keith Charvonia takes Jay under the hood of the FR-S he tuned for the win at 2014's Scion Tuner Challenge.

Am I wrong if I love something that no one else seems to love? I just get this car, and it gets me. Its characteristics fit with my values, with what I want in a car. But I get it’s not what everybody wants.

Then again, more and more the BRZ feels like the antidote to everything enthusiasts complain about when it comes to modern cars. Everything’s getting too fat? This one’s pretty light. Not enough manuals anymore? This one has a great stick. Too expensive? Starting price is just under $26,000; $30,285 as loaded like this Series.Blue. Fake engine noise? Here it’s real and it’s fantastic. Electric steering sucks? They nailed it pretty good here. Turbos are ruining everything? Hey, this one waves its NA flag proudly.

Car companies don’t listen to enthusiasts? The BRZ exists.

Scion’s FR-S performance sports coupe is getting its style on for the 2016 model year. With interior improvements, two new colors, a new standard audio system and a rear-view back up camera, the next FR-S also sports a new price.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the six-speed manual transmission FR-S is $25,305 while the six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management technology is $26,405. This price excludes the destination, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $770.

The 2016 FR-S has a new premium feel with bright silver interior accents on the steering wheel bezel, shift bezel, door grip, and along the sides of the center console. Also inside the FR-S is a new standard audio system with a large 7-inch touch-screen display and voice recognition technology.

For added safety, comfort and convenience, a rear-view backup camera has been integrated into the FR-S, as well.

Adding to the new look, two new colors will be available with a new red called Ablaze and a new blue called Oceanic.

The 2016 FR-S will be available in dealerships beginning in June.

Scion’s FR-S performance sports coupe is getting its style on for the 2016 model year, with interior improvements, two new colors, a new standard audio system and a rear-view back up camera, the next FR-S also sports a new price. Check out the new 2016 Scion FR-S Walkaround video.

Performance Features
0:20 - 2.0 Liter 4 Cylinder Boxer Engine
0:42 - Transmission
0:58 - MPG
1:12 - Weight
1:20 - Suspension
1:41 - Brakes
1:50 - Headlight

Interior Features
2:06 - Seating Capacity
2:37 - Steering
2:42 - Touch Screen Display
2:50 - Audio
2:57 - Bluetooth
3:04 - Backup Camera
3:14 - Safety

Visual celebration of decades of sporting design and engineering excellence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

-Fleet of six GT 86 coupes finished in one-off classic liveries celebrating great Toyota race and rally cars of the past

-Classic look captured in vinyl wraps and decals plus lowered springs, stainless steel exhaust and retro-styled wheels

-Cars available for public drives in the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Moving Motor Show on 25 June, then on static display supporting the GT 86 Drift Experience at Goodwood’s race circuit

Many of the qualities that make the GT 86 an exceptional modern sports car are rooted in generations of classic performance Toyotas, from its great handling to its timeless, low-slung styling. In a tribute to some of the great race and rally cars of the past 50 years, a fleet of six GT 86 has been transformed with faithfully recreated classic liveries and retro styling details.

Each car is inspired by a different model. They include two sporting versions of Toyota’s original sports car, the 2000GT, and Ove Andersson’s 1970s Celica 1600GT rally car – the machine that helped inspire Toyota to launch a full international motorsports programme. The IMSA GTU Celica that raced in North America in the 1980s, the World Rally Championship Celica GT-Four and the Esso Ultron Tiger Supra from the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship are also celebrated.

Vehicle vinyl specialist Motor Mode has reproduced key elements from the original liveries in the right proportions for the GT 86. New springs bring the cars’ ride height down by 40mm and Rota has provided new wheels in different finishes to capture the retro look. A new Milltek Sport stainless steel exhaust system provides the finishing visual and aural flourish.

The coupes – a strictly one-off collection – are making their debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Moving Motor Show on 25 June, where they will be available for public test drives on a course that includes Goodwood’s famous hillclimb. For the remainder of the festival they will be on static display at the Goodwood racing circuit, supporting the hugely popular GT 86 Drift Experience.

Cars in detail

Yatabe Speed Trial Toyota 2000GT (yellow with green bonnet): this 2000GT set multiple new world and international speed and endurance records during a 72-hour run at the Yatabe High Speed Testing Course in Japan in 1966. It demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to engineering a sports car with world class potential.

Shelby Toyota 2000GT (white with blue bonnet): racing legend Carroll Shelby masterminded Toyota’s racing programme for the 2000GT in the USA. The intention was to demonstrate the car’s potential when pitted on track against established American and European competition. Drivers Scooter Patrick and Dave Jordan duly claimed a number of victories during the 1968 season.

Ove Andersson’s Toyota Celica 1600GT (red with black bonnet): Andersson’s entry in world rallying with the first-generation Celica paved the way for the founding of Toyota Team Europe – and ultimately today’s Toyota Motorsport. The liveried GT86 celebrates the car he entered in the 1972 Daily Mirror RAC Rally, with official manufacturer support from Toyota. His class win and ninth place overall were an early sign of the great things the partnership would deliver.

IMSA GTU Toyota Celica (red with yellow stripes): Celica was the first Toyota to race in North America under the Toyota Racing Developments (TRD) banner, competing in the IMSA GT series. The IMSA GTU car prospered with Dan Gurney’s All-America Racing Team between 1983 and 1985.

Castrol Toyota Celica GT-Four (red and green Castrol livery): this Group A Toyota made its World Rally Championship debut in 1994 and went on to claim seven podium finishes in seven events entered during the 1995 season, including victory for Didier Auriol in the Tour de Corse.

Esso Ultron Tiger Toyota Supra (tigerskin effect): Supra was a longstanding entry in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, competing from 1995 through to 2006. In fact its competition life went on beyond the end of production of the road-going Supra. When its track days came to an end, it enjoyed a new lease of life as a virtual racer in the Gran Turismo computer game. The Esso Ultron Tiger car was one of the most distinctive-looking to take to the grid.