Is Subaru planning an STI return?

My first thought upon reading the headline for this story is don’t get your hopes up.

But a recent Car and Driver story has me thinking it could happen. Maybe. But it’s probably not what you’re thinking. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s dive in.

The current WRX (VB chassis) is the second generation for the rally-inspired sedan since it was separated from the compact Impreza sedan in 2015. The VB was all new for the 2022 model year with new styling and a power boost for the turbo flat-four engine. Notably, Subaru did not bring the range-topping STI model back for the VB. It was WRX only.

Why? Basically, it likely wouldn’t have a very long shelf-life.

I was at the Canadian press launch for the WRX in the summer of 2022, and Subaru reps were asked to explain the STI’s absence. Our assembled group of journos was told that a new STI, even with improvements made to its turbo powertrain, would have trouble meeting global emission standards. Basically, Subaru wouldn’t likely be able to sell it in Europe. Or if it managed to pass certification at launch, it might become ineligible during its lifecycle. The WRX and BRZ aren’t sold in Europe primarily due to strict tailpipe emission regulations.

But, the reps said, the STI nameplate isn’t necessarily dead. And we all knew what that meant – the STI could come back, but only as a hybrid or EV.

Fast forward to last week at the New York auto show where Subaru’s European boss David Dello Stritto told British magazine Autocar (via Car and Driver) that while the gas-only STI is gone, it could return with some form of electrification.

“With an EV, you’ve got the power and performance, and you’ve got an all-wheel-drive system. We’re working on more sport models, and electrification allows us to do this,” he told Autocar. He also said Subaru’s partnership with Toyota could aid future performance car development.  

The time horizon for an electrified STI is hard to predict. The current WRX is in its fourth model year, which means it should be in production until at least 2027. A next-gen model, which could include an STI hybrid or EV, likely wouldn’t go on sale any sooner than 2028.

Still, it’s good to hear the iconic STI performance nameplate could return.

Photos courtesy of Subaru 

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