Hybrid and EV both possibilities.
Subaru unveiled an all-new fifth generation for its beloved WRX fun machine last September, showing off a new platform and turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine rated at 271 horsepower. However, with the debut of the new WRX, one question remained - where’s the go-faster Subaru WRX STI version? Welp, the Six Star brand just addressed that, stating that the new STI will break from tradition with some form of electrified power.
In a statement, Subaru said that it was "focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve" with regard to ever-tightening emissions and fuel economy regulations.
"As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification," the automaker said. "In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform."
Although Subaru didn’t go into detail, we can assume that a hybrid powertrain and fully electric powertrain are both strong possibilities for the new STI. Subaru also failed to provide a timetable for the release of its new top-dog rally sedan, but we’re willing to bet fans are practically tripping over themselves to learn more.
For the moment, Subaru’s only electrified model is a plug-in hybrid variant of the Crosstrek, which combos a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four with a single permanent magnet AC synchronous motor to produce a combined 148 horsepower. Not exactly neck-snapping, but then again, the Crosstrek isn’t made for that sort of thing. Subaru is also set to offer its first fully electric vehicle, the 2023 Solterra, later this year, which will equip all-wheel drive and two electric motors producing a combined 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, we would expect the forthcoming electrified Subaru WRX STI to outperform the standard WRX by a considerable margin. The question now is this - will enthusiasts respond to what the purists likely consider to be utter blasphemy? Well, that likely depends on what Subaru is cooking up, so keep it locked on Tuner Fan for all the latest updates.
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