Subaru Showcases Muscular Viziv Concept and Likely the Next-gen WRX

by Matt Posky

October 25th, 2017 4:10 PM

subaru showcases muscular viziv concept and likely the next gen wrx

After some light teasing, Subaru unveiled the Viziv Performance Concept in its entirety at the Tokyo Motor Show — showing what is very likely to the next incarnation of the WRX. While that’s not a guarantee, the Viziv’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive, boxer engine, squared taillights, hood scoop, and overall shape appears to be an obvious evolution of the brand’s beloved performance model.

Enthusiasts are likely to be pleased, too. While it was never gorgeous, the WRX has enjoyed ho-hum styling since 2008. Things took a turn for the better after a mid-cycle facelift in late 2009, but even the current generation lacks some of the character of those earlier examples. On the upside, Subaru continued to refine what was essentially a budget automobile with highly desirable driving dynamics.

But if the next WRX can maintain the Viziv’s more extravagant styling cues while also holding onto improved interior quality and performance, well, then this is all very exciting.

Let’s not put the cart before the horse, though. Subaru hasn’t officially announced anything yet. In fact, we wouldn’t have much to go on had CarScoops and a handful of other outlets hadn’t broke the news slightly ahead of the vehicle’s official reveal in Japan. Those details have made it all the more obvious that the automaker is laying the groundwork for its next-generation performance sedan.

The Viziv Concept measures 182.2 inches in length, 76.7 inches in width, and 56.3 inches in height. Taking into account the fact that concept cars are typically designed with more girth and a shorter roofline than their real-world counterparts, that isn’t far from the current WRX’s dimensions. Subaru also said the Viziv comes with a very WRXish “high-performance” flat-four.

It does have new tricks up its sleeve, however. The manufacturer has bestowed the concept with perforated air outlets behind the wheel arches. Subaru said the design smooths out turbulent air, helping high-speed performance and fuel economy. There are also tiny wings at the top of each wheel arch. As difficult as it is to believe, these minuscule fins are supposed to further assist with aerodynamics and even improve handling. According to Automotive News, Subaru’s global design chief Mamoru Ishii said the company fully intends to use them on future production vehicles.

Like every concept vehicle, the Viziv is heavy on autonomous technology. It’s outfitted with an advanced version of the brand’s EyeSight safety system and takes things a step further by replacing mirrors with camera mounts and adding radar. Subaru has previously stated it wants to target Level 2 autonomy by 2020, so the proposed tech could be more fact than fiction — which is refreshing to see on a concept car.

Still, we’re more excited about the styling choices Subaru is making here. It previously announced that it wanted to stop making ugly cars and, while having a sensibly styled fleet was always part of its unique charm, nobody is going to mind seeing it strive for more beautiful bodywork. “From this car forward, we don’t want our cars to look good just parked in a show room but to look good running down the road,” Ishii said after the concept’s official debut.

[Images: Subaru]

#ConceptCars #SportSedan #Subaru #SubaruVizivConcept #SubaruWrx #TokyoMotorShow #WRX #WRXSTi

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Duncanator on Oct 26, 2017

I have learned over the decades to simply ignore concept vehicles. They must serve some purpose, perhaps for the Chinese to copy (Land Rover), but I don't know why they even bother with them. Show me a production vehicle and then I'll pay attention.

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Lorenzo on Oct 26, 2017

The reappearance of flat, sharp creases is promising, but the no-rear-headroom, no-rear-vision roofline is still there. The roofline will probably recede to the rear bumper before the formal upright limo rear window returns. The jellybean profile that started with the Taurus has been around so long, a three-box design would look new and exciting. That won't happen until the CAFE rules are dialed back, or eliminated entirely.

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