2020 Subaru WRX STI takes shape
If Subaru’s next STI looks like this, we’ll eat our branded shirts!Will the real 2020 Subaru WRX STI please stand up?
We’re hoping beyond hope that this computer-generated rendering of the next-generation Subaru WRX STI is representative of the final production version due to break cover in 2020.
Created by Automedia, the CGI is based on the Subaru Viziv Performance STI Concept revealed in January but adds a few changes that could have a reasonable potential of making it to production.
The front-end, for example, features realistic headlights -- not just super-slim stylised LED running lights. The overall profile looks pretty tidy too, but the angular wheel-arches are about as likely as snow on the Nullarbor.
The rear wing – usually the most dramatic element of the WRX STI – is virtually unchanged compared to the official concept car released at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon, and a blue coat of paint gives the render a closer approximation to current models.
Although Subaru Australia wouldn’t comment on how close the artist’s impression is to the real thing, spokesperson Chloe Fraser said the Japanese brand’s new sports flagship will appease fans.
“The Subaru WRX STI is an iconic car and an important part of the Subaru range,” she said.
“With a strong heritage in rally and a loyal customer base, we’re sure this love will continue when the next generation arrives.”
Subaru has a reputation for delivering visually stunning concepts that turn into hum-drum production cars, so although the Subaru Viziv Performance STI Concept is a stunner it’s likely to be dialled back for the production version.
Nevertheless, we’re crossing our fingers that the next Subaru WRX STI looks something like this when it rocks out in late 2019 or early 2020.
What we know
Based on the new(ish) Subaru Global Platform that underpins the current Subaru Impreza and upcoming Subaru Forester, the 2020 Subaru WRX STI is expected to be the most powerful and sophisticated STI vehicle yet.
Subaru is keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to powertrains but as we’ve reported before the company is understood to be shooting for a four-cylinder turbo-petrol boxer engine with an electric module to boost power and reduce CO2 emissions.
Given that Subaru does not have the financial might of companies such as Toyota, it’s understood to be holding back the launch of the next-generation WRX and WRX STI in order to launch them with hybrid powertrains.
The current 2018 Subaru WRX STI, which is priced at a Civic Type R-rivalling $51,290, ain’t short of muscle, its 2.5-litre turbo-petrol boxer four pumping out 221kW and 407Nm.
We’d be surprised if the new WRX STI didn’t pack at least 250kW and 500Nm, giving it enough juju to take on the Ford Focus RS.
On that topic, the new WRX STI could deliver much more progressive all-wheel drive power delivery given a new torque vectoring system that may incorporate the hybrid module to almost instantly apportion torque where it’s needed.
Although the vehicle is being talked about as a 2020 model, there are no solid launch dates for the new Subaru WRX STI.
Back in 2016 we spoke to a senior Subaru engineer who said: “The full model cycle will be about four or five years, and that’s when you’ll see a full model [with WRX and STI].”
Given the last new WRX STI arrived in late 2014, that may put the next model here in 2019.
During a pre-production drive of the new-generation 2019 Subaru Forester in Japan last month, Subaru Australia managing director Colin Christie said that performance cars will be a crucial part of the business and that new AWD high-performance models are on their way – but not until late 2019 at the earliest.
“I’m confident there will be a replacement for the WRX and STI moving forward,” he said. “It’s not five to 10 years away, either, but it certainly won’t be here in the next 12 months.”
Christie also fanned the WRX STI petrol-electric hybrid flames, explaining that the Subaru Global Platform “…will give us a performance range and an SUV range, and it will provide the perfect base from which to launch our range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.”
As long as we still get an adjustable centre differential – and maybe a drift mode for good measure – bring it on!
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