Next Subaru WRX STI in 2018

The future looks bright for Japan's favourite all-wheel drive car-company, Subaru, which is working on all-new versions of its iconic Impreza-based WRX and STI performance cars plus a new-generation BRZ and several other significant models, including a large SUV.

Talking to motoring.com.au after the global premiere of the new fifth-generation Impreza small car at this week's New York motor show, the president of Subaru America, Tom Doll, wouldn’t reveal specifics about the next-generation turbocharged WRX and its hi-po cousin, the STI.

But he did confirm we'll see them some time around 2018.

The go-fast models based on the new 2017 Subaru Impreza are expected to pump out between 200 and 250kW, "but they're not coming out yet," he said.

Doll stated the new hero models "are in the product plan" and although he wouldn't reveal exactly when, he agreed with our supposition that it'll be in the next two years.

"I can't say, but your timing is in the ball park," said Doll.

There's been talk that the new performance cars could take advantage of electrification to reduce their CO2 emissions while increasing acceleration. The new Subaru Global Platform, or SGP, the Impreza is based on features hybrid module compatibility.

In other words, it's relatively straightforward to engineer an electric motor into the cars, which could incorporate a motor-drive rear axle in a new-generation all-wheel drive system for performance models.

Doll confirmed that Subaru will deploy hybrid models from 2018 -- roughly the same time as the new WRX and STI are scheduled -- but wouldn't say which vehicle would be the first cab off the rank.

"[Hybrid] is legislated to some degree, starting with California and other states. So from 2018 we have to begin bringing out our versions of hybrids and electric type vehicles," he said.

Another vehicle that could see Subaru's fortunes grow is an all-new large SUV that has seats for seven occupants. Replacing the unloved Tribeca, Doll implied we'll see the big new SUV in 2018 also, and that it would be "initially launched [and built] in the USA" before other markets got a turn.

"It'll have reasonably good fuel economy for a seven-seater, it'll have Subaru safety and AWD and it's a combination that really can't be matched in the market. We really excited about this SUV," he enthused.

And what of the Tribeca name? Will it be ditched?

"That's the plan, we need a different name," said Doll, who agreed there was negative sentiment surrounding the badge.

"When Tribeca first came out it was a beautiful car but it was underpowered and had other issues related to it, so we want to kind of break that memory in the market and come up with a new name.

"We feel it's better for us to build a new trademark than use the Tribeca name," he said, but wouldn't be drawn on possible monikers.

As previously reported the next-generation Subaru BRZ has been given the green light as well, but is likely to be a 2019 proposition when it's launched alongside its Toyota 86 twin.

Doll also addressed rumours of a new mid-engine sports car, saying: "I've not heard that, I don’t know what that is," he said.

"I don’t know where they're getting their information from."

For Subaru to develop an all-new sports car with a mid-mounted engine would be prohibitively expensive, agreed Doll. The company managed to produce the BRZ only by sharing development costs with Toyota.

"I would like to know their source. Anybody can say anything, right?" he said, scotching the reports.