There Will Be A New Subaru WRX STI... But It Will Be A Hybrid
A new WRX STI will be built, says Subaru, but not until the company can work out how to build a plug-in hybrid one.
The current car’s 2.5-litre flat-four is both a blessing and a curse, giving it legendary character and noise but also providing one of the major reasons that Subaru UK has stopped selling it at all.
High emissions and a thirst for unleaded have never been able to compete with the more mainstream, less interesting alternatives. A perceived lower-quality interior and higher depreciation made it less attractive than the likes of the Golf R and Focus RS.
Now, Subaru Europe’s sales and marketing manager, David Dello Stritto, has told Dutch website AutoRAI that the turbocharged boxer four-pot “can simply not exist in the future.” He blames emissions laws and refers to the recent Viziv Performance concept (pictured top and below) as the future of the WRX.
“Subaru is waiting for market developments and has set the concept down. We definitely do not say goodbye to the WRX STI; the car belongs to Subaru, but there is a period of time where we temporarily will not carry it.
“[Hybrid drivetrains are] something we need to investigate. There really will be a new WRX STI, but it takes time.”
A hybrid Subaru is reportedly slated for 2018 production, but it will be a much more mainstream car than the WRX STI. It’s possible that the legendary rally-forged saloon’s totally changed persona might not appear for between five and 10 years from now.
Comments
The impreza so far has lived a good life, but I’m pretty sure that it’s time will come as the Evolution did,so far the impreza needed a general redesign and I’m glad they didn’t go EV or SUV with it, keeping the car’s spirit and charm even if 25 years have went by, homewer I’m sure that its end will arrive soon,and even if it is a hybrid 4 door sedan I’m glad they still want to give that old timer from gunma a last chance to prove itself,that he deserves to wear the “WRX” and “ STI” on its rear.
I’m pretty sure the impreza’s “Rebirth” will be good
BBS4LIFE
Manly tears were shed
As you said, it’s a good thing they didn’t go Evo/Mach 1 with it. They have a history, and they aren’t denying it. They’re proud of it, but they need to update. I think they’re doing it right.
Ffs…
If I had a dollar for each person who mentioned the Mitsubishi Eclipse Crossover, I could buy a WRX STI
Still better than a full-on electric.
This could either turn out amazing or awful. I’m hoping for a BRZ engine (possibly tuned or even given a turbo) plus an electric motor. Let’s hope it doesn’t become too dull or mass-market though.
I hope so too, but unfortunately it sells poorly because it’s not mass market enough.
I see like 5 new STis everyday where I live tho. Super popular here
What’s next Subaru? Hybrid BRZ?
NOOOOOOOOOOOO
Doesn’t matter to me,gimme that sexy boot
Let’s be honest here: a good hybrid powertrain with a sweet new boxer turbo might actually bring it back to the top and that’s brilliant :D
Quite an Innovative move from Subaru and the phrase We definitely do not say goodbye to the WRX STI is reassuring.
Would like to see someone swap the hybrid motor with Tesla motors tho
What exactly is innovative about removing your primary performance car from sale without having a follow up ready?
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