2022 Subaru BRZ STI rendering is the wide-body coupe we want

We aren’t the only ones who think Subaru should offer a BRZ STI.

Rumours and speculation of a Subaru BRZ STI have been consistent since the second-generation model was first revealed almost two years ago.

Subaru hasn’t ruled out a hotter version of the BRZ from its performance arm Subaru Tecnica International (STI), but fans could be waiting some time, given there are no immediate plans for the iconic WRX STI to return.

Instead, artist Avante Design has created these digital renderings of what they imagine a 2022 Subaru BRZ STI could look like.

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Borrowing its inspiration from the wide-body Impreza WRX STI 22B – albeit with a very aggressive body kit and lowered suspension – the fictitious BRZ STI is finished in World Rally Blue and offers an increased wheel track, improved downforce from its rear wing, and large air intakes for brakes and, we hope, an intercooler.

Given the real-life coupe uses a naturally-aspirated version of the 2.4-litre four-cylinder ‘FA24’ turbo engine found in the WRX, a high-performance turbocharged BRZ STI isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility.

However, Subaru’s development partner Toyota has confirmed it’s been using a GR86 – twin to the BRZ – with a modified version of the turbo three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches.

Speaking to Drive recently, Toyota Chief Engineer Yasunori Suezawa said a 1.4-litre version of the engine is being tested in a GR86, saving 30kg over the 1.6-litre engine found in the GR Yaris.

It’s likely the smaller engine would also offer a power level somewhere in-between the 173kW offered in the standard BRZ/GR86 and the 224kW found in the GR Corolla, allowing the car’s engineers to not have to modify the chassis significantly to cope with the extra performance, and ensuring the coupe doesn’t cannibalise sales of the GR Yaris.

If a BRZ STI does eventually make it to market, it’s unlikely to look quite as aggressive as the vehicle created in these renderings.

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