Subaru Wants a New WRX STI, But It Likely Won't Be Gas-Powered
Subaru redesigned the WRX a few years ago, but enthusiasts immediately noticed something was missing. The brand’s vaunted STI configuration didn’t appear alongside other versions of the car, and we now have a good idea of why.
Subaru executives told Autocar that the automaker’s challenges with the STI stem from emissions restrictions in Europe. David Dello Stritto, Subaru’s European head, said, “Ask the average person what Subaru means and they’ll say STI. You can’t disassociate this from Subaru. So, we need to bring sportiness back to Subaru. Right now, we couldn’t do it: Europe says you can’t, because you have a gasoline particulate filter that can literally choke your engine.”
The automaker could create a U.S.-only STI, but that would be prohibitively expensive for a smaller company like Subaru. The alternative is electrification, which will allow the brand to release the vehicle worldwide. Stritto said, “There are plans to bring back the sportiness in Subaru. We’re working on more sporty models, and electrification allows us to do this.”
That means that any new STI model will likely lack the signature thrum of the flat-four engine. That said, Subaru has an opportunity to create a performance monster that offers speed and power without the loads of reliability issues that come from pushing a Subaru engine to its limits.
[Images: Subaru]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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IMO, should have always been 2 door ONLY - with a lower roof & with frameless side glass. Same for the old SRT Neon.
Will the electric WRX still have a hood scoop?
You know, a BRZ STI with a turbo and 300hp has only been demanded by enthusiasts since the car's launch. Shoot, make it a hybrid with a tiny 80hp electric motors and 300hp overall at this point, given the insatiable demand for those today. Heck, while you're at it, make it a shooting brake with a decent size cargo area too! :P