Subaru shows off sporty concept

Normally known for its compact SUVs and fun-to-drive AWD models, Subaru has gone in a different direction with the reveal of its BRZ sportscar concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru automobiles, said the all-new rear-wheel drive compact sports car has been developed from an ongoing joint-project between Subaru and Toyota Motor Corporation.

The new unit sports a new direct-injected 2L Subaru Boxer engine.

“By making full use of the horizontally-opposed boxer, Subaru’s core technology, this concept car further pursued a pure handling delight driving experience that can be realized by the boxer engine’s low center of gravity,” the company said in a release.

Compared with other Subaru models, the engine in the BRZ concept sits 120 mm lower and is positioned 240 mm closer to the center of the chassis. As a result, this car has achieved one of the lowest possible centres of gravity in cars on the market today.

Sources say the BRZ is slated for production in 2012. Pricing was not revealed.