QOTD: What Should a WRX STI Be?
by Tim Healey
August 4th, 2023 4:30 PM
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I was initially going to ask if Subaru should bring back the WRX STI, but I suspect that the answer to that would be a resounding "yes".
So, instead, I am asking, if Subie brings that iconic performance trim back to compete with the Honda Civic Type R, Acura Integra Type S, and Volkswagen Golf R, how should it go about doing it?
Does the car we featured yesterday provide a good blueprint? Or would you take another approach?
Sound off below.
[Image: Subaru Motorsport]
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For starters...
Non crazy pricing.
6sp manual avail
Lowest level of NVH possible.
Great stereo on all trims and dont rip off the customer $.
Pick and chose dealer installed options for customization.
Comfortable seat with a easy change out Sparco option.
Unique lighting.
At Barrett Jackson in all its round headlight glory.
Flat 4 turbo-ed to within an inch of its life. 400+ hp or go home.
6 speed manual only. A CVT should self destruct in shame if it ever got close to an STi
A rear wing that causes a Civic Type-R to either droop in shame or get spoiler envy
Extra lighting in the front
WRX STi exclusive blue paint and gold wheels
Brembo brakes - all 4 corners. None of this "We want to advertise we have Brembos but we only use them in the front" nonsense.
AWD with the extra modes for rally, deep snow/mud, etc.
A redone center screen that ditches the dated look of the current Subaru setup with a newer one with a much faster processor and much needed updated graphics.
Front camera displayed on the center screen so you can see what might be coming up to tear off your front air dam.
Full digital instrument panel customizable for race/rally modes that shows important information like fluid temps, AWD percentage split, tire pressures, etc.
Recaro (or a copy) seats with that grippy suede/leather combo, or the weatherproof material that Subaru uses on the Outback Wilderness.
Usable back seat and trunk large enough to hold a set of four tires/wheels
All of this adds weight. Aluminum and carbon fiber should be used in areas like the roof, hood, and trunk to lower the center of gravity. Forget about top-heavy items like a panoramic sunroof. Roll down the window if you want extra air.
Keep the price under $50,000 to compete with the CTR and the VW Golf R and watch it sell.
It should bring hood ornaments back. A miniature statue of Tassos pointing into the horizon would be most fitting.