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Subaru Unveils Sporty Levorg STI Wagon, Brawny Crosstrek Concept

subaru levorg sti sport prototype
Subaru Unveils Custom Levorg STI and CrosstrekSubaru
  • Subaru has revealed the modified vehicles it will bring to the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon: the Levorg STI Sport # prototype and the Crosstrek Boost Gear concept.

  • The Levorg STI Sport # prototype brings handling improvements to the WRX-engined wagon, and will be sold in limited quantities in Japan.

  • The Crosstrek Boost Gear concept is decked out with tons of off-road accessories, including a roof-mounted tent and plenty of black plastic cladding.

The Tokyo Auto Salon—the Japanese equivalent of the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas—opens on January 13 and will bring a flood of wacky tuner vehicles that will push the boundaries of taste. Now Subaru has revealed the first images of the modified cars that it will be showing at the event, the Levorg STI Sport # prototype and the Crosstrek Boost Gear concept.

The Levorg STI Sport #—yes, that’s a hashtag in the name—is certainly a looker. While the base model in Japan is fitted with a puny 174-hp 1.8-liter flat-four, the Tokyo show car is based around the Levorg STI R EX model, which packs the WRX’s 271-hp 2.4-liter boxer four.

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Sold in Australia as the WRX Sportswagon, that motor is sadly only paired with a continuously variable transmission, but the handsome bodywork is enough to have us pining for a long-roof WRX, even if we’d have to sacrifice the six-speed manual. The prototype is said to have “enhanced stable handling and premium drive feel,” rides on unique wheels, and will be offered—presumably only in Japan—in limited numbers.

subaru crosstrek boost gear concept
Subaru

The Crosstrek Boost Gear concept, meanwhile, tacks on a plethora of off-road goodies to the recently revealed third-generation of the Impreza-based crossover. A LED light bar and a roof-mounted tent now reside atop the Crosstrek, while the doors and side sills gain chunky black plastic cladding. Steps hang below each of the doors to ease ingress, since the beefy off-road tires appear to have raised the crossover’s ride height.

Other minor trim changes in the grille, front bumper, and wheel arches as well as turquoise accents help differentiate the Boost Gear from standard Crosstreks. It’s unclear what Subaru plans for the Boost Gear, but the concept could preview future accessories for Crosstrek’s owners who want to explore a little further off the beaten path.

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