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Subaru previews Viziv Performance Concept and 2 tuned STIs for Tokyo

Subaru will be rolling deep at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show next month. The Japanese automaker has announced a number of different models that it will bring to the show, including three concepts, and limited editions of two different STI models. At the top of the list, teased above, is the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept. This car sounds like it could be a sneak preview of a next-generation WRX, as Subaru describes it as a sport sedan that combines "enjoyment and peace of mind." The very nature of the model encourages active engagement, but Viziv Performance uses Subaru's EyeSight tech to provide advanced driver assistance. The teaser images don't give us much else to go on, but we'll keep our ear to the ground in case Subaru drops any more information ahead of the show on Oct. 25. View 2 Photos Also coming to Tokyo will be to Japan-only limited edition versions of two STI models. The first is the Subaru S208, based on the WRX STI. A successor to the S207, the S208 is limited to just 450 units. It's quicker and more powerful than the S207, and features a carbon fiber roof to help lower the center of gravity. Engine output isn't given, but the S207 made 323 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque. The S208 also has an upgraded suspension and exclusive interior and exterior styling upgrades. View 5 Photos The other special edition is the Subaru BRZ STI Sport. It doesn't get more power, but Subaru did work to improve ride and handling. The BRZ STI Sport has a stiffer body and a specially tuned suspension to improve dynamic performance. It also gets its own interior and exterior touches, and a special Cool Grey Khaki paint color. Like the S208, it will be available only through lottery, but will be even more exclusive, at just 100 units. View 4 Photos Subaru is bringing two yellow concepts to the show, the XV Fun Adventure Concept and the Impreza Future Sport Concept. The XV Fun Adventure gets off-road tires and updated body cladding. The Impreza Future Sport gets revised front and rear bumpers, a low center of gravity, and a central exhaust. Last, and probably least, Subaru will display the Outback Limited Smart Edition, with a few design touches like an exclusive grille and wheels, microfiber seats, plus navigation and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Consumer Reports says Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevy are big winners in brand perception survey

According to Consumer Reports, the automotive brands that stand out in the minds of car buyers are, in order: Toyota, Ford, Honda and Chevrolet. This news comes after the magazine polled its readers, asking them to take into account vehicle quality, safety, performance, value, fuel economy, design/style, and technology/innovation - which are the factors that car shoppers are most influenced by.
It's important to note that this award is only about perception. In other words, it's perceived quality, not actual quality. "Often, perception can be a trailing indicator, reflecting years of good or bad performance in a category, and it can also be influenced by headlines in the media," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy automotive editor.
The brand that made the biggest jump in perception amongst Consumer Reports readers is Tesla, which posted an impressive 47-point gain to finish in fifth place. Subaru is also notable for finishing in the top 10, despite being one of the smaller manufacturers doing business in the US. Scroll down below for all the details from Consumer Reports, if you're so inclined.

Toyota updates 86 in Japan with this weird special edition

In their constant drive for perfection, Japanese automakers Toyota and Subaru have both announced some minor updates for their jointly produced sports car specifically for their domestic market. Both the Toyota 86 (known in these parts as the Scion FR-S) and the Subaru BRZ are getting a revised version of the electric power steering system they were designed with in the first place as well as a reworked suspension. The more intriguing news, though, is the strange restyling Toyota is offering on the 86 Style Cb edition. Ditching the aggressively angular front end of the existing model, this special edition gets rounded headlamps and an extended nose to give it a much less severe face. The Toyota 86 Style Cb is also being offered with an optional two-tone paint scheme and gets unique LED turning indicator strips, a special badge on the bulbous snout and revised interior trim. We'll chalk it up to a matter of personal taste, but as far as JDM specials go, this special edition isn't one over which we'll be terribly disappointed if it never makes it to US showrooms. We'll be sure to keep you posted if and when any of the mechanical updates make the trip across the Pacific, though. Related Video: