Subaru Levorg STI confirmed – summer 2016 debut

The Subaru Levorg will soon gain a hotter STI variant following the release of several videos titled ‘LEVORG×STI’ by the Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). The high-performance wagon was originally previewed at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon with the Levorg STI Concept.

In its concept STI form, the Levorg packed a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Subaru did not disclose how much power the mill generated, but it is rumoured that around 300 hp should be made available, similarly to that from the JDM WRX STI’s 2.0 litre turbo engine (308 PS or 304 hp). Expect the production powertrain to be a similar setup to the concept, with all-wheel drive completing the Subaru DNA.

Currently, the Japanese domestic market Levorg is available with two turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engines. The first is a FB16 1.6 litre unit (168 hp and 250 Nm) and a larger FA20L 2.0 litre (292 hp and 400 Nm). Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is fitted to both, but unlike the upcoming STI variant, only a Lineartronic CVT is available.

Aside from more power, the Levorg STI should get an aggressive bodykit, along with other enhancements from the STI skunkworks. The “promo” videos show a new suspension setup, STI-brand alloy wheels and larger brakes. Interior upgrades should mirror this performance bump as well.

Whether the Levorg STI will be a JDM-only model remains to be seen. For us here in Malaysia, we’re still eagerly awaiting the arrival of the wagon here. Our Thai neighbours have already gotten theirs in two flavours – 1.6 GT and 1.6 GT-S. How interested are you in the LEgacy, reVOlution, touRinG vehicle?

GALLERY: Subaru Levorg in Thailand

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