Subaru promises two sporty new releases, but do not expect a new WRX STI just yet
Subaru will unveil two sporty new releases on 27 September, but there is no need to chill the champagne for the return of the old WRX STI just yet. The manufacturer is preparing limited-edition versions of the current BRZ and WRX, describing both as models “aimed at enthusiasts”.
Subaru has not yet released technical details. However, the teaser suggests that the WRX, at least, will gain more aggressive aerodynamics and a large rear wing. Both cars appear to be based on the existing tS versions.
The WRX STI name still lingers
When it comes to the WRX, every STI badge inevitably raises the same question: when will the real WRX STI return?
The current VB-generation WRX arrived without a full-fat STI version. Subaru said as early as 2022 that it would not develop an internal-combustion WRX STI for this generation, and that the future of the brand’s performance models would be considered in the context of electrification.
In the meantime, Subaru has not given up on sporty WRXs. In Japan this year, the company showed the WRX STI Sport♯ prototype, which combines a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine, all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. The car also uses Brembo brakes, electronically controlled dampers and STI suspension components.
That is already very close to the recipe WRX STI fans actually want. Only the name and official position in the model range are still missing.
Subaru has already shown how far it can go with the BRZ
For the limited-edition BRZ, it is worth looking at the STI Sport Type RA sold in Japan. Its 2.4-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine did not receive more power, but Subaru tightened the manufacturing tolerances for the engine’s moving parts, refined the suspension, added Brembo brakes and STI forged BBS wheels.
It is a distinctly Subaru-like approach. The power figure remains the same, but the engineers spend a great deal of time making the engine rev more cleanly and the car behave better in corners.
The exact changes to the new BRZ for the US will only be revealed at the presentation, so there is no reason to automatically apply the Japanese Type RA specification to it.
Europe can only look on again
From a European perspective, the whole story is a little more painful. The current-generation BRZ is not widely available through official channels in Europe, while the WRX disappeared from Subaru’s core European line-up years ago. The brand’s European model range is instead moving towards SUVs and electric cars.
Subaru’s pair of sports cars therefore mainly shows that the company has not completely forgotten about building enthusiast cars. It simply sells them in markets where homologation and demand still make economic sense.
On 27 September, we will find out how seriously Subaru has taken things this time. For now, only one thing is certain: two limited-edition sporty models are coming, not two new sports cars.
