Viziv Performance Concept

Originally teased last month, the Viziv Performance Concept is said to preview what the next generation WRX could like, with the concept also putting a new spin on Subaru's Dynamic x Solid design language.

Highlighted by flared wheel arches made from carbon fibre, shaved door handles, a carbon fibre bonnet scoop, 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon fibre roof and revised hawk-eye headlights with green detailing, which continues on the grille, the Viziv also gets a reworked version of Subaru's EyeSight system, that the company claims will enter mass production in 2020. No interior images have been released.

Although Subaru has declined to provide complete technical details, is has stated that the Viziv comes powered by "high performance" Boxer flat-four engine and its trademark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

WRX STI S208

Joining the limited run BRZ STI Sport that debuted at the same time as the Viziv, the STI S208 follows on from the STi S207 launched two years ago, and is said to add another level to the already rapid standard STI.

Externally, the newcomer gains gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Sport MAXX RT rubber, black mesh grille with red detailing and a S208 badge, gloss black front splitter, air intakes, mirrors, side skirts and rear diffuser, carbon fibre boot spoiler and a choice of three colours; World Rally Blue Pearl, Crystal White Pearl and Cool Grey Khaki. An optional NBR Challenge Pack adds a carbon fibre roof and an extended carbon fibre rear wing with S208 branded side plates.

Changes underneath the skin include four-corner adjustable Brembo dampers and coil springs, revised steering, stiffened suspension and Torque Vectoring, while the interior gains Recaro bucket seats, satin silver and red detailing, alloy pedals and S208 badging.

The biggest change is reserved for underneath the bonnet where the usual 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine makes way for a smaller 2.0-litre unit, but with a new ECU, performance muffler and a silicon intake to produce 242 kW and 432 Nm of torque. As indicated by the images, a six-speed manual looks to the like sole transmission option offered. No performance figures were released.

Limited to just 450 units, 350 in NBR guise, the WRX STI S208 is priced from ¥6.2-million or about R766 309.