Subaru’s performance push begins with STI-tuned variants of the Levorg and the XV

By Ronan Glon Published January 19, 2016

Subaru’s sport-focused STI division has traveled to the Tokyo Auto Salon, an event that can best be described as Japan’s version of SEMA, to introduce two brand new concepts.

Called Levorg STI Concept, the first show car is based on the Levorg station wagon that’s sold in a host of global markets including Europe, Australia, and Japan. Visually, the STI-massaged Levorg wears an eye-catching hue called WR blue pearl with red accents all around, and it looks more muscular than the regular-production wagon it’s based on thanks to a model-specific front fascia whose design is inspired by the WRX STI, a lowered suspension, and 18-inch BBS alloy wheels. The updates continue in the cabin with burgundy and black two-tone upholstery.

Dubbed XV STI Hybrid Concept, Subaru’s second show car features a sporty appearance with an orange and white paint job and a splitter integrated into the front bumper, and it offers a much more responsive ride thanks to STI-branded suspension and brake components. Sport seats upholstered in a combination of orange and beige wrap up the custom look.

Enthusiasts who trekked out to the Japanese capital hoping to see a WRX STI-powered Levorg and STI’s first hot-rodded hybrid were undoubtedly disappointed because no mechanical modifications have been made to the concepts. The Levorg is powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four borrowed from the WRX sedan, while the XV uses a gasoline-electric drivetrain made up of a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter flat-four and an electric motor rated at about 13 horsepower. Both models are fitted with an automatic transmission and Subaru’s time-tested all-wheel drive system.

At the very least, the concepts suggest that STI’s transformation from an underused nameplate to a full-fledged performance-oriented sub-brand is under way, and Subaru has promised that more STI-tuned models will land in U.S. showrooms in the coming months.

Former Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Topics

Cars

China’s latest budget EV costs under $7,000, and it’s basically a four-seat electric go-kart

A $6,540 electric car with a giant rear wing? Yes, I'll take it.

Geely Panda Mini Featured

I have a soft spot for tiny cars, and China has a bunch of them. Geely’s latest Panda Mini takes that form and puts an electric engine into it. The updated Panda Mini Karting Edition launched in China earlier today with a CATL battery, four seats, and a rear wing that makes it look pretty sporty for its size.

Its limited-time subsidized price is 43,900 yuan, or around $6,540, compared with a regular listed price of 49,900 yuan, or approximately $7,435. The promotional offer runs through September 30, with additional purchase incentives subject to eligibility. Budget EVs come in many different shapes, but this one has enough personality to make you look twice.

Cars

Order an Uber and a self-driving Mustang might show up

Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone

Ordering an Uber in London could come with a surprise today. Instead of a conventional car and driver pulling up, you might find a Ford Mustang Mach-E that can drive itself. Uber has launched London's first public robotaxi service in partnership with British autonomous driving company Wayve. The service is available through the Uber app, meaning you don't need to download anything new or book a special type of ride to try it.

There is one important caveat. Although the cars will handle the driving themselves, a trained safety operator will initially sit behind the wheel, ready to intervene if necessary. Fully driverless rides are planned for a later stage. The launch fleet consists of electric Mustang Mach-Es equipped with cameras, radar, and Wayve's AI Driver technology. These systems give the vehicle a 360-degree view of what's happening around it. And if anywhere can put that technology through its paces, London seems like a pretty good candidate.

Cars

Range Rover Electric arrives with 543hp, 600km range, and a starting price of the moon

The electric Range Rover is here, and your wallet may need CPR

Range Rover EV

The Range Rover has never been shy about luxury, size or price, and its first fully electric version is carrying that tradition into the EV era. Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) first battery-electric Range Rover is now open for orders, starting at £154,070, or about $208,420. That makes it one of the most expensive electric SUVs on the market.

The electric model costs almost £50,000 more than the standard combustion-engine Range Rover. It is priced in the same territory as the electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 and not far from ultra-luxury gasoline SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga.