Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Subaru Teases Forester STI and Impreza STI Concepts Ahead of Tokyo Debut

2019 Subaru Forester STI concept | Photo: Subaru
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectSpeedy
Derek Boshouwers
Global markets will get the models, but not North America

Subaru has teased images of the Forester STI and Impreza STI concepts that it will unveil officially at the upcoming 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon, getting underway on January 11. The SUV will be fitted with the automaker’s new eBoxer Hybrid engine, while the Impreza will be based on the current hatchback version of the Impreza.

Unfortunately, at this point Subaru is not planning on marketing the two STI versions in North America.

2019 Subaru Forester STI concept
2019 Subaru Forester STI concept | Photo: Subaru

Forester STI
The Subaru Forester STI concept teaser image reveals an exclusive Fighter Gray paint finish, as well as unique 19-inch aluminum wheels and Brembo high-performance brakes, including six-piston calipers on the front axle.

The STI version of the Forester will get a more-powerful version of the current eBoxer powerplant, the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine of which works in conjunction with an electric motor. That motor adds a bonus 12 hp and 48 lb-ft of torque to the output, for a total of 155 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque.

Subaru is also giving the new STI concept version a new front grille with a honeycomb mesh insert and STI badge. Also incorporated to the design are a different front bumper and dive planes and a revised yellow-accent rear bumper.

2019 Subaru Impreza STI concept
2019 Subaru Impreza STI concept | Photo: Subaru

Impreza STI
The Impreza STI will make like Subaru’s other SATI model in getting body elements designed to improve aerodynamics, such as a front splitter and extended side skirts. Like the Forester, the Impreza STI gets a new front grille and modified rear bumpers in which are incorporated dual exhausts.

For the moment, Subaru, has released no specifications for this version of its Impreza.

2019 Subaru Impreza STI concept
2019 Subaru Impreza STI concept | Photo: Subaru

Back to home page

Derek Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Automotive expert
  • Over 5 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 50 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 30 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists