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Subaru brings sportier XV, Legacy and Levorg concepts to Tokyo Auto Salon

'Tis the season of the auto shows, boys and girls. We just came down from the techno-fest that was CES, we're set for the start of the Detroit Auto Show, in the UK they're holding the Autosport International racecar show, and in Japan they just opened the Tokyo Auto Salon. And true to form, Subaru was on hand with a wide assortment of tuned machinery. Aside from the competition-spec WRX and BRZ we brought you a few days ago, Subaru also spruced up some of its production models for the street. One of the most intriguing was the Levorg S that gives us an idea of what the conceptual Legacy wagon would look like in STI spec, complete with the requisite blue paint, red trim and STI badges, but also a full aero kit, 19-inch BBS wheels and carbon-fiber trim, plus an interior with bucket seats, flat-bottom rim and all the fixins. The Japanese automaker also showcased a version of the Legacy sedan dubbed Blitzen, decked out in bright red with a similarly upgraded aero kit, 19-inch alloys and a two-tone interior. The XV Crosstrek that was recently launched on this side of the Pacific as a special edition in bright yellow rolled in to the Tokyo salon in the same shade, but with upgrades similar to those on the aforementioned Levorg and Legacy show cars. The XV Sport concept wears upgraded aero, 17-inch wheels and a complementing yellow-trimmed back interior. Also on display was an even less subtle WRX S4 customized by Prova, done up in white but with an outlandish body kit, 20-inch Enkei alloys and a dropped suspension, as well as the new Forester tS.

Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport # is a sharper, limited-edition WRX for Japan only

Depending on your nationality, age, and interests, the first association for the # symbol could be pound — for weight or the telephone, number, plain old hash or hashtag, or sharp for the musically inclined. Subaru Japan intends that last meaning for its new WRX S4 STI Sport #, because this is a sharper version of the mass-produced WRX S4 STI Sport introduced to the top of the range last year. Of note, this vehicle is a standard WRX, not a full-beans WRX STI. The differentiator is the "STI Sport" designation, which has also been applied to the Japan-market Levorg and BRZ, representing a model developed with input from Subaru Tecnica International. Last year's flagship trim picked up STI-tuned Bilstein DTMatic II inverted struts at front, STI-tuned conventional springs and dampers in back, 18-inch black wheels to go with black trim pieces like mirror caps and decklid spoiler, and a special interior with Bordeaux leather and ultra suede. Output from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer motor was left unchanged from the WRX S4 at 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, shifting through the automaker's Sport Lineartonic CVT. The sedan costs 4,093,200 yen ($38,050 U.S.). The limited-edition WRX S4 STI Sport # displays a keener edge thanks to three STI components tested on the division's Nurburgring race cars — a flexible front tower bar, and flexible draw stiffeners for front and rear. All three components have been available on the aftermarket for a while, but their stock fitment is apparently new. The flexible tower bar looks like a typical strut tower reinforcement, but a pillow ball joint in its middle provides vertical elasticity. The bar maintains rigidity across the vehicle, but when the suspension needs a little give to work up and down, the pillow ball joint allows that. The flexible draw stiffeners are adjustable rods that connect a longitudinal frame member to a component on the cross-member, increasing chassis stiffness. STI says the three parts deliver faster steering response, reduced roll speed, and improved wheel tracking in the case of road ruts or crosswinds without compromising suspension suppleness. The Boxer sees some tweaks like a freer-breathing air filter and exhaust that raise torque by up to 10%, and sharpen throttle response. Thicker sound insulation in the floor and extra vibration-damping material in the spare tire well cut road noise for all occupants.

Spy photos show 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift

As it transitions to the Toyota 86, the Scion FR-S isn't the only version of the joint Toyota/Subaru sports car that's getting a facelift. The BRZ is getting a nip and tuck, and here's our first look. Posted on the FT86Club forum are pictures of what appears to be the 2017 Subaru BRZ, hot on the heels of the recently-revised Toyota 86. The changes look rather subtle, but stand at least to keep the Subaru model up to pace with its Toyota counterpart. And for those less than enamored of the new curves applied to the 86, these updates may just be enough to tip the balance in Fuji Heavy's favor. The front end appears to keep the same grille shape as the existing model, but the vents on either side of it have changed, with little winglets bisecting. Gone are the auxiliary lights, apparently integrated into the new headlights that pack fresh elements. The taillights appear to be updated in similar fashion as well. Inside more auxiliary controls are now integrated into the steering wheel in front of the instrument binnacle with a new set of gauges. There's seems to be a new infotainment head unit in the dashboard and some updated interior trim as well. Of course the big question will be whether the refreshed BRZ will get any boost in power or other mechanical upgrades like Toyota's given the new 86, but for that we'll just have to stay patient for the time being as look forward to seeing the Toyota version in the metal at the New York Auto Show this week. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Subaru BRZ facelift View 9 Photos News Source: FT86Club Spy Photos Subaru Coupe Performance facelift