Subaru Unveils Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 Showcase Line-Up

The Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is one of the world’s biggest aftermarket auto shows. Hosted by Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC), the annual auto show offers original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket brands, aside from numerous automakers to showcase some of their latest prototypes and tune builds for the masses to get excited with.

Subaru, one of the mainstays for TAS, has recently announced their models line-up for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, happening from 13 to 15 Jan, 2023. Headlining the marque’s showcase is the never-before-seen Impreza prototype fitted with STI parts.

While the American-spec next-gen Impreza was already unveiled at the LA Auto Show last Nov, the TAS 2023 will see the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Impreza with proper right-hand-drive (RHD) setup making its official global debut. Apart from the standard trim, this next-gen JDM Impreza will also come with STI parts versions that are currently under development.

Aside from the new JDM Impreza, Subaru will also bring the special Levorg STI Sport that features a plethora of performance modifications focused on improving the handling and ride. Based on the R EX-spec, this special Levorg STI Sport is draped in blue-ish grey hue and rides on stylish 14-spoke all-black wheels.

Once the TAS 2023 closed its curtains, this special Levorg STI Sport is poised to be the range-topping Levorg for the Japanese market, as Subaru is planning to officially produce it as a limited production special.

Plus, the new Subaru Crosstrek, also known as the XV in our local market, will also be presented in the form of “Boost Gear Concept.” This slightly-tuned crossover is “studded with tricks that arouse the adventurous spirit of active lifestyle”. In lay man’s terms, this special Crosstrek with Boost Gear Concept will add extra outdoorsy flairs to this already adventurous-looking SUV crossover.

Apart from the Crosstrek, the Subaru Rex will also gain the Boost Gear Concept treatment. This rebadged cousin of the Daihatsu Rocky/Perodua Ativa/Toyota Raize boasts a rather similar powertrain spec as the baseline Rocky, comprising a 1.2-litre 3-cyl mill plus CVT gearbox. Unlike other Subaru crossovers, this DNGA-based Rex harnesses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.

Lastly, Subaru’s TAS 2023 showcase will feature a racecar triplet consisting of the 2022 BRZ GT300, the WRX NBR Challenge, as well as the 2023 WRX Rally Challenge. 

The BRZ GT300 last competed in the 2022 Super GT Series in the GT300, where the 61-numbered car achieved second place in the driver’s championship, while bagging its sole victory throughout the season at the Fuji Grand Prix.

On the other hand, the WRX NBR Challenge is a GT3-spec car specially built to take on the 24 Hours of Nürburgring 2023 endurance race. Though aced the qualifiers in its category during the last year’s edition, the WRX NBR was forced to retire rather early due to excessive damages caused by a tyre burst.

All these specially-modded Subaru models will be showcased at Subaru’s booth for the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023. This three-day event is set to take place at the Makuhari Messe in the Chiba Prefecture, Japan, starting from 13 to 15 Jan.