The 2017 Subaru Impreza 5-Door is introduced at the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center on March 23, 2016 in New York, NY. (Photo : Getty Images/Bryan Thomas)
The rumor of a new Subaru mid-engine sports car was denied by the Subaru of America president recently. The car company intends to produce a new model change for the BRZ instead.
A previous rumor, reported by Car & Driver, claimed that the car company had a new mid-engine prototype model of a new Boxer that they were testing out. It had two motors powering the front wheels and the engine was powering the rear wheels. It also claimed that it was inside a modified Subaru BRZ body which is speculated to be either a two-door coupe or a sporty crossover and it was in testing in Japan at the Tochigi proving grounds.
The rumor also claimed that as part of its all-new Subaru Global Platform, this new prototype had a hybrid system which was based on the next-generation all-wheel-drive system. It also claimed to be electrification-ready.
According to CarAdvice, different media, including this publication, interviewed the Subaru of America president and COO Tom Doll at world reveal of the brand new Impreza in New York and asked if the rumor was true. He immediately denied that the car company was developing an all new mid-engine sports car and added that he did not hear about that information. He even wanted to know where the media got the information from and who their source is.
Subaru has also confirmed that they are interested in a second-generation BRZ. The plan is now in motion, said CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, Yasuyuki Yoshinaga in an interview with CarAdvice.
Yoshinaga said that they are still discussing it with Toyota so they can produce a new model change for the BRZ. The company wants to continue the BRZ but they have not decided yet on any specific details for it and finalize the agreement.
In other news, new WRX and STI will be made on 2017 or 2018, the car company confirmed. These car models will be based on the latest generation of Impreza which was revealed just last week. Yoshinaga could not confirm if hybridization was possible in the future.
Check out the Subaru all-new 2017 Impreza video below:
