If there’s one thing we miss in the Subaru product range, it’s the full-blown STI model. It’s been years since it was discontinued, and the folks from Gunma are tight-lipped about details.
But it seems that we might get a spiritual successor of that car soon. That’s because the company is set to reveal a sharper version of the Subaru WRX.
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It’s called the WRX STI Sport# Prototype, and yes, it has a hashtag in its name. Mind you, the hashtag stands for sharp, and if you’re into music, you’ll understand the reference.
So, will it be the hardcore STI Subaru fans have been waiting for? Well, probably not. See, this model is labelled as an STI Sport and not STI. It’s a bit like Toyota with GR, the true performance version, and GR Sport/GR-S, a sportier variant with a few upgrades.
Disappointed? Well, don’t be. Details are murky at the moment, and Subaru claims it will be an ’STI complete car’. If Subaru sticks to that promise, we might see a few more horsepower squeezed out of its turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer engine. As it stands, the standard model packs 271hp at and 350Nm of torque. We’d be happy if the company gets closer to the 300hp mark, and even more excited if it goes past 320hp.
As it’s an STI Sport-badged car, we can expect suspension and chassis upgrades along the way. The teaser also shows a subtle trunk lid spoiler and a more aggressive diffuser. Once it hits production, it will be made in ‘limited quantities’. Hopefully, a higher wing like in the old STI becomes an option.
The car will be shown at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon this January. By then, we’ll know more details of the car. Fingers crossed it comes with a manual, too.
