Subaru VIZIV Performance STI Concept Breaks Cover in Tokyo [Full Gallery]

Subaru Corporation and Subaru Tecnica International (STI), uncovered the VIZIV Performance STI Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 today. The performance sedan concept is the forerunner of the fifth-generation 2020 Subaru WRX STI coming in 2019.

VIZIV Performance STI Concept is based on the Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept exhibited at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017 held in October, 2017, a forerunner of next-generation WRX. Now Subaru brings the STI rumble with the next-generation WRX STI to Tokyo.

The “Subaru VIZIV Performance STI Concept” (Vision for Innovation) shows STI’s performance car exterior design language with its exclusive front bumper, side sill spoiler, and rear wing. Subaru says the new aerodynamics will improve stability over the current sedan design.

While the production model likely won’t look like the concept, Subaru needs this more aggressive design to enhance the new-generation WRX STI appeal. What’s missing is a 5-Door hatchback body style fans have been asking Subaru to bring back since it was dropped for the fourth-generation model.

Subaru Corporation’s design chief Mamoru Ishii told Autocar, after the VIZIV Performance Concept’s reveal at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, fan feedback was very positive, and the new-generation Subaru WRX and WRX STI could have similar lines. Subaru’s production cars rarely look anything like their concepts, so we won't hold our breath for that to happen. Remember the WRX Concept?

Ishii tole AutoCar, “We have built up this tradition with the Legacy, Impreza and WRX,” he said. “We want it to look fast even when it is parked.” But there could be even bigger changes coming under the hood scoop of the new-generation Subaru WRX/STI. Subaru won’t ever change it from all-wheel-drive, but what powers the new performance car could be radically different.

Ishii, went on to say,“Four-wheel drive is critical to the power and performance levels our customers expect, but on the engine we have more freedom.” The engine Subaru’s design chief is talking about, could offer up hybrid, plug-in-hybrid and all-electric power to those four wheels in the next-generation model.

Lots of changes are coming to the WRX STI, and performance enthusiasts are waiting to see what's next for the fifth-generation 2020 Subaru WRX STI. The new VIZIV Performance STI Concept unveiled today at the Tokyo Auto Salon gives fans an idea of what Subaru is thinking.

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Photo credit: Subaru Japan