Subaru Viziv Performance Concept revealed in Tokyo

Subaru has provided its first hint at what the next-generation WRX may look like, with the Viziv Performance Concept making its debut at the Tokyo motor show today.

Said to be inspired by ''previous models symbolizing the Subaru driving experience'', such as the Legacy (Liberty), Impreza and WRX, the new concept increases this sporting intent further.

As the first four-door sports sedan in the Viziv series of show cars, the Viziv Performance includes the same boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel-drive combination that is synonymous with Subaru models like the WRX and WRX STI. However, its exact powertrain details remain under wraps.

Measuring in at 4630mm long, 1950mm wide and 1430mm tall with a 2730mm wheelbase, the Japanese concept is 35mm longer, 155mm wider and 45mm shorter than the current-gen WRX.

Renowned WRX details like a hexagonal front grille, bonnet scoop and C-shaped LED daytime running lights are present on the Viziv Performance, while a carbon-fibre three-section lower air intake with mesh inserts completes the aggressive front-end design.

Meanwhile, the rear-end is more of a departure from the established WRX look, with C-shaped LED tail-lights featuring a hexagonal lighting signature extending towards the middle of the curvaceous bootlid with black lip spoiler.

Additionally, the Viziv Performance's chunky carbon-fibre rear diffuser houses stacked quad exhaust pipes, which is similar in execution to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Lexus RC F among others.

The bulging front and rear fenders are punctuated by carbon-fibre wheelarch extensions with air inlets, which surround 20-inch, Y-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 rubber.

Traditional door handles and side mirrors have been replaced by circular buttons and slimline cameras respectively, while a carbon-fibre roof panel helps to reduce the centre of gravity.

While official images of Viziv Performance's interior have not been provided, a peek inside its side windows reveals a large, portrait-orientated central touchscreen responsible for multimedia and climate control functions, as well as a digital instrument cluster.

The five-seat show car's overall look is based on Subaru's 'Dynamic X Solid' design language.

In preparation for a future where autonomous driving is the norm, the Viziv Performance features the latest generation of Subaru's advanced 'EyeSight' driver assist technologies set to be launched around 2020, as well as other devices.

According to Subaru, the Viziv concept series "embodies the brand’s vision for the future of making cars that deliver enjoyment and peace of mind to its customers", with the Viziv Performance becoming the fourth model in this line-up.

Previous Viziv – short for 'vision for innovation' – concepts include the Viziv-7 seven-seat SUV from the 2016 Los Angeles show, Viziv-2 compact SUV from the 2014 Geneva show, and the Viziv hybrid crossover from the 2013 Geneva show.

The fourth-gen WRX and WRX STI have been on sale in Australia since March and April 2014 respectively, with their replacements based on the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) expected to appear in either 2019 or 2020.

The Tokyo motor show will be officially open to the public from Friday, October 27 to Sunday, November 5.

Should Subaru carry the Viziv Performance Concept's design into WRX production? Tell us what you think in the comments below.