Yahoo Autos Subaru Levorg STI confirmed
Subaru’s performance arm Subaru Tecnica International has confirmed plans to launch a high-performance version of the Levorg wagon.
The vehicle will be based on the Levorg STI concept presented at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon (shown above) and is due to enter production this summer. Sadly, it won’t be coming to the United States since the Levorg was never offered here.
The Levorg STI won’t be another lame duck attempt like the previous BRZ tS and Forrester tS. Instead, it will be a dedicated performance offering akin to the WRX STI.
A more mature performance car
Subaru is launching the vehicle to help celebrate the 50th anniversary this year of the brand’s penchant for using horizontally-opposed “boxer” engines. However, it’s also to appeal to those buyers lamenting the brand’s decision to drop the hatchback bodystyle for the current-generation WRX STI.
No technical details have been released but expect a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine just as we saw in the Levorg STI concept. The concept was also fitted with 18-inch wheels, specially-tuned dampers and a more upmarket interior with two-tone leather trim. The concept also came with a CVT.
These features were added in an attempt by Subaru’s design team to create a performance car that will appeal more to the older, conservative types than the WRX STI. Subaru has been hinting at the launch of such a vehicle since 2011 when it rolled out the Advanced Tourer concept.
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