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Cosworth announces Power Packages for Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S with up to 380 hp [w/video]

Cosworth stands on the list of the most famous engine tuners in the world with its DFV engine engine dominating Formula One for a time in the '70s. So when it teases plans to take on the FA20 engine from Subaru and Toyota found in the BRZ, Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86 abroad, our interest is indeed piqued. Cosworth is promising to take the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine from its current 200 horsepower all the way to 325 hp and even 380 hp in a future track version through a series of staged Power Packages. At the moment, only the first stage is available that takes the mill to a potent 230 hp.
Cosworth says that its new strategy is to offer its upgrades in kits rather than individually so that it can be sure that everything works and fits when owners receive it. The Stage 1 Power Package emphasizes helping the FA20 breathe better and includes a nearly complete replacement for the stock exhaust system. There is a sports exhaust with four-inch, diagonally cut, polished tips and Y-shaped muffler, an overpipe front pipe with a spherical resonator and a new manifold header that is 22 percent lighter the standard unit. In addition to that, the kit comes with a software reflash, low temperature thermostat, Cosworth badge and plaque.
The stage one kit is available now, and stages two and three go on sale later this summer, according to its website. Autoblog contacted Cosworth for pricing information for the kits. We will update this story, if we hear back. The company also released a video showing off the exhaust upgrades. Scroll down to watch it and read the full release, below.

Impreza 5-door concept headlines Subaru's Tokyo lineup

Subaru is planning a whole raft of new debuts for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. One of them we've already seen in the updated Forester crossover. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to Fuji Heavy Industries' plans for the Japanese expo. Leading the lineup will be two brand-new concepts. Subaru will be showcasing a conceptual preview of the next-generation Impreza. The five-door hatchback is so far only being shown in sleek and shapely design renderings, so we'll have to wait as the show approaches to see more. But from what little we can see so far, the hatchback looks promising. Along with the Impreza is the hybrid Viziv Future concept, which builds on previous Viziv design studies in a crossover form that just might preview the upcoming replacement for the Tribeca. The sporty crossover concept is rendered in a muscular-looking take on typical Subaru style, in white with metallic and orange accents inside and out. A full glass sunroof lets the light into the thoroughly modern cockpit, with a large dashboard monitor and four individual bucket seats accessed by conventional front doors and what look like van-like, pillar-less sliding rear door like you might see on a Ford B-Max. The concept is fitted with a bike rack, automated driving is provided by the next-generation EyeSight system, and motivation comes from a turbocharged hybrid setup. This being a Subaru, it naturally features all-wheel traction, but it's provided through the road thanks to the electric motor on the rear axle. Other features of the Subaru pavilion in Tokyo include a luxed-up version of the WRX S4 dubbed SporVita, with an Italian leather interior. Other interior trim, 18-inch wheels, and a raft of otherwise optional equipment comes part of the package which will also bee seen on the Legacy. There'll be a few more new debuts – including new versions of the XV, Levorg, and WRX STI S207 – to be revealed later this month, along with the BRZ GT300 that Subaru fields in the Super GT series. Related Video: Subaru Exhibition Outline of the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 October 7, 2015 Tokyo, October 7, 2015 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, will unveil two new concept cars at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015 (Press Days: October 28 and 29; General Public: October 30 to November 8).

2015 Subaru Impreza gets visual tweaks, added refinement

While our love for the Subaru Impreza is mostly reserved for its turbocharged WRX and STI models, there's still a fully competent, well-rounded package in the base model, now in its fourth generation. In order to keep it competitive, Subaru has given the Impreza a light refresh for the 2015 model year, and while the car hasn't changed much mechanically, there are a number of thoughtful updates in store for the revised model.
Most noticeably, the front end has been touched up, with a revised lower fascia that's a bit more aggressive than before, nicely incorporating foglamps on higher-end models. Around back, not much has changed, though there's a new lip spoiler on sedan models to improve aerodynamics. Inside, a new infotainment system is available, with a seven-inch color touchscreen, and Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance package can now be had on the Limited models. There's also an updated instrument cluster with an LCD color display, new door and shifter trim, a standard rearview camera, and a few tuning enhancements that allow for a quieter ride, according to Subaru's release.
Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine as before, with 148 horsepower on tap, mated to either a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. Subaru notes that there's a quicker ratio for the electronic power-assisted steering (that's a good thing), and reminds us that the Impreza is still pretty fuel-efficient considering its standard all-wheel drive, able to achieve 28 miles per gallon in the city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined.