Next-gen Subaru WRX teased

Meet the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept. It looks mean, angular and it has a bonnet scoop. So yes, the dreams of turbo-boxer fans have been answered and this is our first look at the next-generation Subaru WRX.

That's the good news.

The bad news? The new WRX will not arrive until 2019 at the earliest - possibly even 2020. That's the word according to the Subaru Australia boss, though one silver lining is that our market often lands Subaru models before the rest of the world.

That said, long-suffering Honda Civic Type R aficionados will commiserate, forced to wait years for their first turbo VTEC hot hatch.

Subaru will whip the wraps off the Viziv Performance concept at the 2017 Tokyo motor show in October. The biennial car show is expected to be a veritable cornucopia for Japanese performance car enthusiasts with the new Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-9 and even the next Mitsubishi Evo tipped to be previewed in concept car forms.

From what we can glean via the two teaser photos, the new-generation WRX will be a meaner, sleeker, more muscular-looking turbo boxer, the pumped wheel arches featuring tiny winglets at their zenith.

Given that the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept will also incorporate the latest and greatest "EyeSight" driver assistance doodads, it could be that these house autonomous driver aids?

The front of the car doesn't mess with the tried-and-true design too much, with similar headlights and grille work and the signature bonnet vent (and obvious "EyeSight" cameras). However the back end looks smoother now, with a stubby boot lid and integrated spoiler.

Based on the new SGP, or Subaru Global Platform, there's been plenty of talk concerning electrification, and there's certainly a chance the new WRX or the WRX STI could get a hybrid boost to improve performance and reduce CO2 emissions to conform to regulations in markets such as the US and Europe.

Whatever the case, the next Subaru WRX is expected to retain its turbocharged four-cylinder boxer layout, but if it adopts a hybrid powertrain the 2.0-litre capacity could be downsized to 1.6 litres.

Alongside the new-look WRX concept, Subaru will show off a special edition WRX STI dubbed the S208 and the BRZ STI, which will be limited to just 450 and 100 units respectively. Details are sketchy at this stage but don't expect a turbo on the BRZ STI, and both special editions are likely to be JDM (or Japanese Domestic Market) only. Which kind of makes them even cooler!

Nevertheless, Subaru Australia has stated that "elements" of the Subaru BRZ STI Sport will form part of a "yet-to-be disclosed Australian variant" tipped to go on sale just before Christmas, 2017. As such, expect improved handling dynamics via stiffer suspension and the potentially thicker anti-roll bars too. Naturally, there'll be plenty of cosmetic updates inside and out.

The 2017 Tokyo motor show kicks off in late October and is shaping up to be a pearler, so stay tuned.