Subaru is gearing up for January’s Tokyo Auto Salon with a raft of show cars, including a few that hint at production versions.
The company’s Japanese site is a bit light on details, but the company promises to show the new Impreza – which debuted last November in LA – to its Japanese audience for first first time.
But going beyond this, it promises the show car will be equipped with STI parts “under development and customized to sportier specifications”, suggesting a Subaru hot hatch is on the cards.
Tokyo Auto Salon teaser 
New Impreza
The new Impreza retains the signature all-wheel drive and will be available with a 2.5-litre boxer-four generating around 136kW and 241Nm, mated to a CVT with paddles.
It’s unclear if the show car’s STI tuning will elicit more power, but expect the upgrades to improve handling.
Another interesting concept is a more rugged take on the new Crosstrek, which replaces the XV (including in Australia) from 2023.
“The Boost Gear concept car is studded with tricks that arouse the adventurous spirit of an active life,” Subaru claims, furnishing us with no extra info.
The image shows Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tyres, a Rhino Rack roof platform, high-mounted light bar, side steps, new badges, and a whole lot of cladding.
It’s unclear if it previews a production car, though we’d suggest there’s an audience for a rugged small SUV – the Crosstrek keeps standard AWD unlike most competitors.
Other vehicles for display include a show car based on the Levorg STI Sport R EX, offering claimed “improved handling stability and a higher-quality ride” and scheduled to be sold in a limited number – though where remains unknown.
There are also a few race cars including a a BRZ-based GT300 car, and a WRX-based NBR Challenge car, both pictured below.
The Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 kicks off on January 13.
