Time and again, Subaru has said that it currently has no plans to do a next-generation WRX STI. That said, there have been several STI Sport versions of the current generation Subaru WRX.
Admittedly, the numerous special edition WRX models has made us think that Subaru might as well just build a new STI altogether. Now, it seems that’s the case.
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In the Spike's Car Radio podcast, Motor Trend’s senior features editor Jonny Lieberman said that “Subaru is bringing the STI back.” A bold claim, indeed. Not only that, Lieberman claimed his sources were solid regarding the STI comeback.
So, what can we expect? “They're going to use the 2.4 liter that's in the WRX and it's going to make a lot of power,” said Lieberman. Fingers crossed it, at the very least, matches the Honda Civic Type R when it comes to power output. For reference, the current Civic Type R makes 315hp and 420Nm, while the Subaru WRX puts out 271hp and 350Nm. Should Subaru put this model into production, you can bet that it’ll come with all-wheel drive.
There might be some truth to rumor. Last year, Subaru trademarked the name STe. It’s still too early to tell at the moment, but it does hint at a high performance model. That said, the ‘e’ could mean electrification of some sort.
On the flip side, Lieberman’s mention of an uprated version of the 2.4-liter boxer turbo engine possibly nixes the electrified STI angle. Subaru isn’t mentioning anything at the moment, but with the resurgence of sport compact cars such as the Civic Type R and Toyota GR Yaris, perhaps it’s prime time to reconsider bringing back the WRX STI.
