Subaru Performance Car Show in Melbourne, Adelaide & Sydney

When the cancellation of this year’s Australian Motor Show was announced, most car makers cited costs as one of the main reasons and that their money could be better spent elsewhere. Now, we are starting to see how the money is being spent.

Subaru has just announced it is hosting its own travelling mini motor show in June with dealer events in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, to highlight its performance car credentials.

Six performance cars are being showcased at customer and public events over the next four weeks, including the WRX concept car that was the star of the recent New York International Auto Show.

Other displays include the BRZ S, which will soon be an addition to the line-up. It adds a range of Subaru Tecnica International (STI)-inspired equipment.

There is also the BRZ Motorsport car, a Liberty GT wagon special edition prototype and current WRX special edition prototype, which previews a model that will be released in two months time in limited quantities.

Nick Senior, Managing Director of Subaru Australia said: “The purpose of this event is twofold.

“Firstly, it is a chance to demonstrate our performance vehicle credentials. It is a coup to get the WRX concept car from the New York show and there are other displays that showcase our long and successful heritage in sporty vehicles.

“Secondly, with the future of the traditional motor show clouded, this gives us an opportunity to explore possible options.

“Our shows will be in Subaru dealerships in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney – we are taking the show to the people.”

Mr Senior added: “It’s a free, value-added experience in line with our All 4 the Driver customer philosophy and depending upon the response, it could be the start of a whole new approach to dealing directly with our customers and Subaru enthusiasts – the next logical step in addition to more traditional print and online communications.

“Our customer feedback indicates there’s still no substitute for seeing our hottest developments in the metal, so it’s an opportunity to amplify our presence in front of people genuinely interested in our cars.”

Subaru has invited existing performance car customers on its database to see the cars at specific evening events. The public can also view the cars on separate dates.

“It’s all about keeping Subaru fans informed and giving them a first-hand experience, showing them what we’re up to. We’re confident of a good response to this initiative,” Mr Senior said.

The performance car stable can be viewed by the public on:

• Friday 31 May–Saturday 8 June (not open Sunday), 0830-1700, Subaru Interactive@Docklands, Melbourne
• Friday 14-Monday 17 June, 0830-1700, Jarvis Subaru, Adelaide
• Saturday 22-Sunday 30 June, 0830-1700, Denlo Subaru, Parramatta

The Subaru Performance Car exhibits comprise:

WRX CONCEPT
Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in March, this is the first opportunity to see the car anywhere in the world since. The concept hints at some future Subaru design language. Among the features that could become reality are the latest takes on the classic Subaru hexagonal grille, the hawk-eye headlights and the famous turbocharged Subaru bonnet scoop. The vehicle is doing a whistle stop tour down under before continuing its international motor show commitments.

BRZ S
This BRZ features a distinctive sports pack, which will be sold exclusively online at https://buybrzonline.subaru.com.au/ from mid-June. The factory-backed pack comprises a long list of components that distinguish it from the standard BRZ, including, front under, side, rear-side and boot lip spoilers, a flexible tower bar, coil spring set and 17-inch black STI alloy wheels.

BRZ SHOWCASE
This car adds distinctive GT sports stripes that run its length, from boot to bonnet, making one of the most noticeable cars on the road even more sporty. It also highlights a broad range of other available or soon-to-be-launched  BRZ accessories, including fuel filler cap garnish, carbon fibre-type instrument panel insert, carpet mats, spare wheel carpet mat, rear step panel, AVN satellite navigation system, reverse camera, front and rear parking assistance, STI exhaust, battery clamp/holder, STI oil cap and STI valve cap set.

BRZ MOTORSPORT
A star attraction at last year’s Australian International Motor Show, the unique BRZ Motorsport coupe is a potent track-ready car. It was created by long-term Subaru motorsport partner, New Zealand-based Possum Bourne Motorsport (PBMS). Among the features that distinguish it from standard production BRZ are a roll cage kit, Recaro motorsport seats, Sabelt six-point harness, fuel system modifications, including lines and connectors and carbon fibre lightweight parts, including door panels.

LIBERTY GT WAGON SPECIAL EDITION PROTOTYPE
It features a long list of STI and Fuji Heavy Industries accessories, some of which can be bought individually through the authorized Subaru dealer network. Additions to the standard Liberty GT wagon include front lip spoiler, rear tailgate lip spoiler, side under spoiler, pinstripe set, 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels, flexible tower bar, automatic transmission gear knob, front LED lights, front and rear coil springs, sports exhaust, battery/clamp holder, oil and valve caps.

WRX SPECIAL EDITION PROTOTYPE
Now in its 20th year, the original turbocharged All-Wheel Drive pocket rocket will be celebrated this year in a special edition that will include many of the accessories shown on the prototype display car. Available for sale in September, this tribute to Subaru’s heritage will be limited to just 300 units in WR Blue. The name will be revealed closer to launch. Among the features are Recaro seats and trim with blue alcantara inserts, gold-coloured coated 17-inch alloy wheels, STI rear spoiler, STI front lip spoiler, black steering wheel stitching, blue seat trim and door armrest stitching and STI-type soft touch centre console lid with blue stitching.