First look at the Subaru WRX STI
One of the most hotly anticipated cars of the past five years will be unveiled soon, and already rumours have started to circulate about what the Subaru WRX STI has in store for us. Fuelling the fire are recent image leaks ahead of its unveiling, which show off a very muscular but rather boring figure.
Of course, with a Subaru, looks mean nothing. It’s all about the driving experience.
You might be surprised to learn then that the older 2.5-litre flat-four turbocharged petrol engine will not feature in this car. In its place is a 2.0-litre unit of the same configuration, presumably to meet emissions targets. Despite this, the WRX STI is expected to kick out a thumping 264 bhp and 258 lb /ft of torque, which will be sent to all four wheels through a quick shift six-speed manual. As an optional extra, there will also be a CVT automatic available.
Thanks to its four wheel drive system, the WRX STI is expected to be able to go from 0 – 62 mph in 5.0 seconds dead and complete the quarter mile in around 14.5 seconds. Top speed will most probably be limited to 155 mph, although that will depend on the market.
In terms of chassis an all new torque vectoring system will feature in this car to ensure that it behaves itself. MacPherson struts will feature upfront whilst double wishbones will feature at the back. This will give the WRX STI considerable handling ability, and in the right hands, it could be quite the track weapon. The steering is electric, and it has been heavily designed to offer fantastic road feedback.
The car press consensus is that this could be a return to form for the hot STI model. One representative said “Although the WRX STI faces stiff competition from the latest generation of turbocharged hot hatches which cost considerably less, the STI is an icon and holds unlimited street credibility. If there was one car to steer away the hot hatch crowd, this is it.”
Inside, the WRX STI will benefit from a facelift over the older WRX model. Materials will be improved and there will be slightly more room, too.
The only problem with the STI as it stands is the design. It’s simply too generic. It looks like any Kia or Hyundai, and those fat quad exhausts at the rear don’t save it. The concept had lots of potential but if those leaked images are anything to go by, it’s not going to fly out of the showroom on looks alone.
The Subaru WRX STI will be officially unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show. It will go on sale in Q1 2015. When (and if) it does become available in the UK, prices are expected to start from around £27,000.