Forbidden Fruit: 2017 Subaru XV Hybrid tS by STI

A new Subaru XV Hybrid tS is coming to the Japan market. Could a Crosstrek STI be far behind?

Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the motorsports division of Subaru, developed a new Subaru XV Hybrid tS (tuned by STI). It’s for the Japan market only and you won’t see it here in the US. It’s a complete car from STI, and the Japanese automaker is fulfilling their promise that the performance division will put their stamp on more Subaru production vehicles. What’s special about this tuned by STI model?

What new for the XV Hybrid tS?

The new XV Hybrid tS is based on the base model Subaru XV (Crosstrek in the US), and features exclusive suspension tuning as well as distinctive exterior and interior design. Driving performance is improved with original STI suspension parts like STI-tuned dampers, front strut suspension, rear dampers and coil springs and rigid clamp stiffeners. It also comes with a flexible tower bar and flexible draw stiffener in the front.

On the outside, the special STI XV gets set apart with orange highlights running from the front under spoiler over the aluminum wheels and side under spoilers to the roof spoiler. It also comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels with orange highlights, front fog lamp bezels with STI logo, dark gray-edged front grille and STI front/rear ornaments.

On the inside, STI made sure it looks like no other XV crossover. The XV Hybrid tS features exclusive heated front seats in the black leather/black Ultra-suede combination with STI logo and orange stitching. Other cabin features include front and rear seat head restraints with orange stitching, piano black-toned/metallic instrument panel, beige door trims with orange stitching, orange door armrests, and exclusive side sill plates with STI logo.

The new XV Hybrid tS will be powered by Subaru’s FB20 2.0-liter boxer engine coupled to a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor. It’s mated to a Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters that sends power to all four wheels. There's no power upgrades for this STI model. It’s power output is the same as the US spec Crosstrek Hybrid; 110 kW (148hp) and 196 Nm (145 lb. ft) torque. Total Hybrid output is 160hp and 163 lb. ft of torque.

Subaru Tecnica International started to take pre-orders on the 2017 Subaru XV Hybrid tS today (July 28). The performance model will go on sale this fall through Subaru dealerships in Japan. U.S. buyers can only look and not touch. Could a Crosstrek STI be far behind? Stay tuned.

Source: Subaru

Image source: Subaru