Subaru Sends Two Tuner Cars and a Classic to SEMA

Subaru of America is trying to get the word out about its in-house tuning company, called Subaru Performance Tuning, or SPT for short, by showing a SPT-developed WRX at this year’s SEMA show.

The WRX STI by SPT is a demonstration in how Subaru buyers can customize their rides right from the dealership. SPT focused on making the sharp WRX STI a better handling car, and as such, left the turbocharged boxer engine well enough alone. SPT only added an exhaust to eke out another 10 hp, bringing the total output to 315 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.

To improve the handling, SPT added a strut-tower brace and a lower chassis brace for added rigidity and higher performance springs. Another handling addition are the Michelin Pilot Sport performance tires wrapped around 19-in. Prodrive GT2 wheels to give the car a more aggressive look. Finishing off the car are a front lip spoiler, which also aids downforce, and SPT exhaust tips.

Subaru’s second car making an appearance at SEMA is the Legacy 2.5GT VIP. This car is a nod to traditional Japanese VIP style cars (pronounce “bippu” in Japan) that blend a heavily modified car with luxury themes and an incredibly low ride height. Unlike traditional “bippu” cars however, Subaru’s VIP Legacy is all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive.

To begin the transformation from Legacy to VIP Legacy, Subaru replaced the stock suspension with an air suspension from Universal Air to dramatically lower the car’s ride height, yet allow it to inch over speed bumps without worry. In addition to the suspension changes, Subaru added 20-inch wheels to the car, and replaced most of the American-spec body panels with JDM parts.

The last vehicle Subaru is showing at SEMA is a 1969 Subaru SPT Parts Delivery Van. The van is a fully restored 1969 Subaru Sambar 360 van, sporting a 2-stroke, 356-cc 2-cylinder engine producing 25 hp and 25 lb-ft.