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Subaru teasing new WRX S4 model ahead of Japanese debut

The Subaru WRX range is growing just a little bit larger, at least in Japan, with the automaker's teasing announcement of a new version called the S4. Unfortunately, the company is keeping details about its latest all-wheel drive sport sedan a closely guarded secret for the moment.
From what we can glean, it appears that the S4 might be a more luxurious take on the WRX. According to the release, the name stands for the four qualities that Subaru wants the sedan to have: "'Sports performance', 'Safety performance', 'Smart driving' and 'Sophisticated feel.'" As part of this focus, the car comes with the company's EyeSight camera system. Thankfully, we don't have too long to wait to find out what all of the buzz words actually mean because Subaru is unveiling the S4 on August 25 in Japan.
The automaker also launched a teaser website for the S4 that you can cheek out, here, but at the moment it doesn't provide any more details about the new sport sedan. The site just has countdown until the August reveal. There's also no indication yet whether this potentially more premium WRX could make it US shores. Scroll down to read the Subaru's rather concise teaser for the upcoming S4.

2016 Subaru BRZ gets new touchscreen, lower price

Subaru is freshening up its lovable BRZ coupe for 2016, adding a spate of new options and tweaking the price ever so slightly. On the options front, the rear-driver gets a new 6.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Like the current car's standard 6.1-inch affair, it offers AM/FM/HD radio, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The new system will also play nice with your smartphone, adding integration for Aha, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, and a few other more mundane, everyday apps, adding weather and news features. A rear-view camera will also come standard. While the new infotainment system is added across the range, it's the only real change happening for 2016. The Limited trim remains identical to the 2015, offering owners an Alcantara trimmed cabin, with suede and leather seat accents and keyless access, while the car's exterior gets a body-color spoiler and fog lights. Dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and heated mirrors also come standard on the up-market trim. Despite the new 6.2-inch display, Subaru has actually cut prices by $300 on both versions of its two-door model for 2016. The base model kicks off at $26,190, while the Limited rings up at $28,190. Fans of the BRZ's six-speed automatic Philistines can get a two-pedal BRZ for $29,290, which includes the Limited trim equipment. Read on for the official press release, direct from Subaru. Related Video: SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2016 BRZ® MODELS SUBARU STARLINK™6.2"Multimedia System standard across all lines Priced $300 lower than previous model year Rear Vision Camera now standard Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2016 BRZ line. Starting at $25,395, the BRZ, powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, marks a return to the fundamentals of sports car design, emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. Available in Premium or Limited trim, BRZ models boast performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential. For 2016, the BRZ receives the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2" Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.

Subaru is bringing a trio of STI concepts to the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Tokyo Auto Salon is almost upon us (or our Japanese counterparts at any rate), and Subaru has no intention of sitting it out. To that end, its performance division Subaru Tecnica International is preparing a slate of new show cars for the tuner expo. Of the trio that STI has in store for the show, the only one it is showing us so far is the STI Performance Concept pictured above – and we've already seen that one. Based on the BRZ and festooned with all manner of performance upgrades (and an enticing matte blue wrap), it was presented at the New York Auto Show this past April. But there are two more that we have not seen yet. Most intriguing is the proposed XV Hybrid STI Concept, but ostensibly combines the rugged approach of the XV Crosstrek – in hybrid spec no less – with the performance upgrades we've come to expect from the WRX STI. Where STI show cars typically appear in blue, this one is slated to appear in white with orange accents and an interior in orange and beige. It still promises a slew of aero enhancements, along with an upgraded suspension. Alongside the BRZ and XV concepts will be a Levorg STI as well, based on the wagon that Subaru sells in Japan and Europe. This one'll appear in WR Blue Pearl with a sportier front end, 18-inch alloys, specific dampers, and a two-tone interior in burgundy and black. Joining the concepts at the Subaru stand will be a quartet of racing models – two based on the BRZ and two on the WRX STI. Related Video: Exhibition Outline of Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 Tokyo, December 24, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), together with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)*1, announced its exhibition at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), which will be held January 15th to 17th, 2016 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba prefecture. At the Subaru booth will be concept models such as the "STI Performance Concept" which signifies STI's core business areas, "Levorg STI Concept" and "Subaru XV Hybrid STI Concept". The "WRX STI NBR Challenge 2016", a racing car for 24 Hours Nurburgring endurance race in 2016 and the "Subaru BRZ GT300 2016" for Super GT race will also be exhibited. At the press conference on January 15th, 2016 Subaru Motorsport Activities will be announced. The special site for Subaru Auto salon (http://www.subaru.jp/tas2016/) will be opened.