LA MOTOR SHOW: Subaru STi coupe concept

Subaru has announced the STi concept version (pictured) of the BRZ Coupe will appear at the upcoming LA Auto Show (November 16 and 17). The STi concept coupe is based on the BRZ rear-wheel drive coupe, which is scheduled to appear at the Tokyo motor show less than two weeks later.

Coincidentally, images from a product brochure used to detail custom parts from Toyota's tuner Modellista have been released on the internet this week, featuring the FT-86 coupe -- the Toyota-badged version of the BRZ.

The BRZ -- for 'Boxer', 'Rear-wheel drive' and 'Zenith' -- uses Subaru's 2.0-litre flat four-cylinder engine. Output figures haven't been confirmed but it's believed the engine will be good for 147kW and 205Nm.

Both the FT-86 and BRZ will be produced at Subaru's impressive, highly-robotised facilities in Gunma, Japan. The plant employs approximately 3000 people and is soon to resume 24-hour shift rotation; recently adjusted to accommodate the Tohoku earthquake impact on production turnover.

Subaru has not confirmed the coupe's arrival here. Speaking to motoring.com.au during the launch of the new Impreza and XV crossover in Japan last week, Subaru Australia''s managing director Nick Senior admitted his company had several issues to address before making a decision.

"As we are [in Australia] an all-wheel drive company, there's a philosophical decision we need to make," said Senior. "The decision is helped because it is a rear-wheel drive and it’s been designed to be a fun to drive car, so it does slot in to our philosophy and DNA.

"If it was a front-wheel drive car, the decision would be very easy: it wouldn't be coming. That it's rear-wheel drive and fun to drive justifies vigorous debate."

Meanwhile, Toyota says the FT-86 is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms mid-2012.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site