Subaru Levorg STI Sport Debuts At Tokyo Auto Salon As Hot Wagon

[torquemada]

The Levorg in Germany is CVT only, with the 2 ltr na engine with 150 hp. I guess it´s because of eyesight. Of all Subarus sold in Germany, the percentage of the Levorg is less than five. It´s a big fail on the german market, two reasons: no manual transmission, no fun engine with enough power.

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[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by torquemada

The Levorg in Germany is CVT only, with the 2 ltr na engine with 150 hp. I guess it´s because of eyesight. Of all Subarus sold in Germany, the percentage of the Levorg is less than five. It´s a big fail on the german market, two reasons: no manual transmission, no fun engine with enough power.

Yup. They had FB16DIT and it was OK with NEDC testing; then WLTP came around and Subaru was caught with its panties down.
Why? Because, they're always a step behind the standards and they don't invest to get ahead of the curve.
Now, Levorg is stuck with the FB20 which does 167g/km of CO2 (WLTP) for 150-hp. Still pretty thirsty compared to the competition. Again, engines, engines, engines, invest, invest, invest !

[b4wantab]

It’s not just the engines. The power robbing CVT has to go. A ZF 8-speed would yield better performance and emissions. It would decrease warranty costs also.

Audi saw that 10 years ago and moved on.

I have been doing a bit of work in Germany. I have seen one Subaru.

Peace,

Greg

[neg_matnik]

Originally Posted by b4wantab

It’s not just the engines. The power robbing CVT has to go. A ZF 8-speed would yield better performance and emissions. It would decrease warranty costs also.

Audi saw that 10 years ago and moved on.

I have been doing a bit of work in Germany. I have seen one Subaru.

Peace,

Greg

Yeah, I agree 100%. But, I feel like Subaru is in so deep with CVTs that it's going to be hard for them to use anything else at this point.
I have family in France and in Martinique/Guadeloupe and I try and go visit once a year; looking for a Subaru over there is like looking for a unicorn.
But, really, with gas approaching 1.50 Euro per liter (probably more right now), why would people even consider a typically thirsty Subaru?

[Jethro]

A CVT only Levorg would most likely be a hard pass for me too. I'd test drive it to give it a chance, but its probably more of a compromise than the automatic V60 I currently have. At least I can currently enjoy a turbo inline 6.

Looks of this have grown on me since the first reveal, looks better in video than photos.

[KC]

The new CVTs aren't that bad, with paddle shifters and pre-set ratios that the RPMs still ramp up to if you give it more than XX% throttle. I know it sounds weird, but they do ramp up the RPMs and don't just always "stay" at the same RPMs unless you just give it partial throttle.

The flappy paddles help select the RPMs/ratio you want it to be at also.

It's not an entirely bad expereince, but it does "shift" still faster than any MT, and works similar to the MT experience, with an option to not shift.

--kC

[AVANTI R5]

Subaru Levorg STI Sport R Debuts In Japan With The WRX's Engine



Alongside the WRX S4, Subaru unveiled the updated JDM-spec Levorg range which besides a series of minor model year updates gains an STI Sport R trim level that is powered by the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine of its sporty four-door sibling.

The current generation of the Levorg was unveiled in 2020. The fact that the model is sharing the Subaru Global Platform, several body panels, and the interior with the WRX makes it a fitting choice for the STI badge. However, just like the JDM-Spec WRX S4, the Levorg is not a full-blown STI but instead, it is available in the STI Sport R trim level which brings added performance and slightly sportier styling.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine produces 271 hp (202 kW / 275 PS) and 375 Nm (276.6 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a CVT transmission with a virtual eight-speed manual mode and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The model is also equipped with electronically controlled dampers and Drive mode select (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual).

Mind you, not all STI-badged Levorgs get the WRX engine. Only the STI Sport R trim levels have the 2.4-liter unit, while the STI Sport is fitted with the standard 1.8-liter that powers the rest of the range. This one is also turbocharged and produces the same 174 hp ( 130 kW / 177 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque as in the previous model year, which are sent to all four wheels through a CVT Lineartronic transmission.




Design-wise the 2022 Subaru Levorg doesn’t really change from what we already knew. All STI grades are visually distinguished by the STI badges on the grille and tailgate, a slightly sportier front splitter with an aluminum-style skid plate, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and slightly larger dual exhaust pipes.

Inside, the high-end trims get leather upholstery, a large 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen on the center console, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the STI-badged, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In terms of the model year updates for 2022, the Levorg now has the option of a sunroof, an electronically operated tailgate that can open and close from a switch on the driver’s seat, and the latest EyeSight X ADAS systems available in higher trim levels. It is available in eight different colors including the new Ceramic White, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and Ignition Red.

Pricing for the 2022 Levorg in Japan starts from ¥3,102,000 ($26,892) for the base-spec GT (1.8-liter AWD) and climbs to ¥4,092,000 ($35,475) for the flagship STI Sport EX trim with the same engine. As for the Levorg STI Sport R, this starts from ¥4,389,000 ($38,051) with the range-topping STI Sport R EX selling for ¥4,774,000 ($41,390). For the record, this is only $5 more than the equivalent four-door WRX STI Sport R EX.

[winsor]

Why

[Dex]

If only this came to the States with a manual...

[Pre]

Originally Posted by winsor

Why

Insert JP’s Tommy Balls pic with blue sweater here please.

[nashcarr]

No way anyone in the USA would even remotely want this! Why? It does not have all that black plastic cladding! lololol

[SCRAPPYDO]

Originally Posted by 4S-TURBO

PRAWN!

stop being so Shellfish.

[left footed whooten]

This Levorg will be their prawn song