Will 296 hp Levorg 2.0 GT-S be coming to the U.S.? [video]

The 2015 Subaru Levorg could be the spiritual replacement for the discontinued WRX/STI hatchback around the globe. It’s already made its launch in Japan and will hit dealer showrooms in Europe this fall. Subaru is making the decision by March whether the Levorg sports tourer will be launched in Australia. What about the U.S. market?

The Japanese automaker does not have plans to bring out a new generation WRX/STI hatchback anytime soon according to our source close to Subaru. Fans have been upset with Subaru for discontinuing the WRX/STI 5-door hatch model as it was a popular multi-use performance car. The extra cargo-carrying ability allowed WRX/STI owners to load up the performance car for many functional and recreational uses.

DON’T MISS: Is mystery Subaru hatch prototype the refreshed 2016 XV Crosstrek?

With the WRX/STI hatch no longer available, the new Subaru Levorg could fill that niche if Subaru decides to ship the sports tourer to the U.S. market. Subaru has a production issue with the all-wheel drive Levorg, as it already outsells the WRX sedan two to one in Japan. With the brand seeing record sales in the U.S., Subaru’s two plants are producing cars as fast as they can. Subaru is expanding production capacity to 370,000 cars in Indiana, but it will be 2016 before it reaches its full potential.

Levorg 2.0 GT-S

The U.S. market could possibly see the Levorg hit U.S. shores sometime after 2016 as a 2017 model if Subaru decides it will bring the sports tourer to the U.S. The sporty performance Levorg 2.0 GT-S model comes with a 2.0-liter turbo engine borrowed from the WRX that produces 221kW (296 hp) and torque that reaches 400N (295 lb ft). This kind of performance would satisfy the hatch enthusiasts.

Will Subaru change the name?

Don’t look for Subaru to change the quirky name Levorg to something else in the U.S and other global markets. Levorg was derived from various parts of the three words LEgacy, reVOlution and touRinG. Though the name may be an odd one, it already has name recognition around the globe and it will be retained if it gets the green light in the U.S. Stay tuned.