2016 Subaru Viziv 2 Concept

The Subaru Viziv Concept turned a lot of heads at the Geneva Motor Show last year and like a company that knows it has a good thing on its hands, Subaru is coming back to the scene of the show-stopping crime to present a worthy — we hope — sequel to the Viziv Concept.

The new concept is smartly named the Viziv 2 Concept and its a pretty clear indication by now that Subaru isn’t just toying us with these prototypes . The company has plans for these concepts and we’re probably going to get our first look at a new crossover that will become a stalwart in the Subaru lineup.

Accompanying the announcement of the Viziv 2 Concept’s attendance at Geneva is a single teaser photo of the concept, and based on what we’re seeing, the front fascia will carry a rather different look than its predecessor. The edgy C-shaped headlights are more distinct than last year’s funky look. For one, it appears that the whole configuration is more production-looking than before with striking LEDs found inside the curvy light fixture. Fog lamps are also clearly visible, although the design of it looks a little weird, if not a tad too ornamental.

More details are expected to arrive regarding the Viziv 2 Concept once the 2014 Geneva Motor Show opens its doors.

Subaru BRZ to star in Fast & Furious 8 2016

The sixth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, aptly titled "Fast 6," will see the return of franchise mainstays Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. It’ll also have Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in it. Clearly, there’s no lack of Hollywood star power in the movie.

But if there’s one thing the Fast & Furious franchise has shown us, the artists aren’t the only stars in the movie; the cars play a pretty important role too. We saw that in the last movie when a pair of Dodge Chargers took over the latter parts of the movie.

For Fast 6, producers have turned to Subaru to have its new sports car, the BRZ, play a starring role in the film. In response, the Japanese automaker sent over five BRZs to the set, all of which will probably be beaten to oblivion during the course of filming.

Starring in such a high-profile blockbuster like Fast 6 could end up being a huge marketing coup for the BRZ, especially if it appears decked in full-tricked out glory, akin to what you expect to see in a movie that’s heavily influenced in the aftermarket auto scene.

Fast Six is set to hit theaters on May 24, 2013. Here’s to hoping the BRZ gets enough camera shine in the film!

Subaru BRZ Race Car by Possum Bourne Motor Sport 2016

The 2012 Australian Motor Show has been a pleasant surprise to us, largely because of the number of models that made their debuts Down Under.

One vehicle that caught our eye comes from Subaru and what appears to be a partnership with New Zealand-based racing outfit Possum Bourne Motor Sport involving the BRZ.

The BRZ Race Car was customized to be a club-level race car and comes in three track-ready packages. For the entry-level package, the features include a number of carbon fiber parts, including the mirror caps and the door panels, a full-on roll cage kit with Recaro motorsport seats, Sabelt six-point harness, and  modifications.

The second package comes with more added components. First, there’s the new set of 18" Enkei lightweight wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R motorsport tires. From there, PBMS also added driveline and suspension modifications, highlighted by a new Cusco height and damper adjustable coil over suspension system. There’s also a brake package that includes AP front and rear rotors and calipers and an STI handbrake, as well as an electrical kit that comes with wiring and circuit breakers. Last but not least, lightweight battery Recaro winged-HANS seats round out the upscale package for the BRZ race car.

Then there’s the third option, which includes a complete performance parts package, including engine and gearbox enhancements, all of which catered to the customer’s unique requirements.

Talking about the car, Subaru Australia Managing Director, Nick Senior, said: “We’re delighted to display the PBMS BRZ motorsport project car. This car will take the BRZ thrill to a whole new level for those that want some serious trackwork.”

“From day one we have always imagined the BRZ would appeal to the ‘weekend warriors’ - people who enjoy club level motorsport activities. PBMS has developed packages that will appeal to these enthusiasts.”

Clearly.

Subaru BRZ STI 2016

Ever since Subaru dropped the new BRZ onto the market, we knew that an even hotter STI version was sure to follow. Now, British magazine AutoExpress is offering a few details on this new model, set to arrive sometime next year.

The future BRZ STI will feature a more powerful version of the current 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder ’boxer’ engine. The output will be raised up to somewhere in the 250 HP area (an addition of about 50 HP) thanks to the modifications made to the engine’s variable valve control system. That will also allow for an even higher rev limit of around 7,500rpm with the help of a new freer-flowing exhaust.

Next to the extra power, the new STI will also be even lighter than the standard BRZ. It will also be distinguished by a dramatic bodykit, a stiffened and lowered suspension, lighter but larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded brakes.

One downside to the BRZ STI is that there will be no turbocharged version offered. Subaru says there is no space for it in the engine bay and they are reserving these version for models like the WRX STI.

When the BRZ STI does debut, Subaru would have taken the next step in their playful game of one-ups-man-ship. What say you, Toyota?

UPDATE 10/23/2012: Just a few days ago, Subaru unveiled a Subaru BRZ equipped with STI upgrades at the 2012 Australian Motor Show in Sydney. We knew this wasn’t this wasn’t the real Subaru BRZ STI deal, but it confirmed the fact that great things were going to be coming from Subaru in the near future.

Now we hear that Subaru is preparing a turbocharged direct-injection version of the horizontally opposed, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the standard BRZ. This engine will feature a single twin-scroll turbocharger and straight direct-injection developed in-house and not the DI/port-injection system developed in cooperation with Toyota.

This engine could deliver up to 280 HP and 250 lbs-ft of torque, transforming the upcoming BRZ STI into a real competitor in the sports car market. (AutoNews)