Subaru’s STI Returns

Subaru Revives STI

It looks like Subaru might just be getting the band back together. There’s been some buzz around the return of Subaru’s legendary STI badge—all thanks to a few teasers from the brand’s European head honcho. After taking a backseat for a while to focus on SUVs and EVs, Subaru is seemingly preparing to rejoin the performance car playing field.

What’s the Buzz?

David Dello Stritto, Subaru’s European exec, spilled some interesting news to Autocar, sharing plans to reignite Subaru’s sporty vibe. With STI models previously leading the charge, the brand’s drift away from performance models has been quite evident to enthusiasts.

STI Nostalgia: Back in the Day

Remember the first USDM WRX STI? It packed a punch with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and could sprint from 0-60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. Weighing in at 3,263 pounds, it was not only fast but also bragged top performances for its time. What’s more, the first-generation STI could manage up to 18 mpg, making it a powerhouse wrapped in efficiency.

STI: The Present Scene

Fast forward to the last STI before it went off the grid. The 2021 model, unfortunately, seems to have plateaued at 310 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. With this, there’s barely any noticeable performance progress from its initial launch, which of course, has left long-time fans yearning for more from the thrill-seeking badge.

Guess Looking Forward

Now, driving performance into the future seems to lean heavily on electrified models. Subaru’s direction hints at possibly launching an electrified STI—an STe, perhaps. According to Dello Stritto, electrification could offer the dual attraction of power and performance, alongside Subaru’s classic all-wheel-drive setup.

The Road Ahead

Before a performance flagship rolls out, Subaru’s focus remains on bolstering mainstream model sales, like its SUVs, to financially pave the way for launching a potential halo model. As Dello Stritto candidly pointed out, there’s a lot riding on making substantial SUV sales before venturing into crafting a new performance legend.

Conclusion

As the automotive world spins toward electrification, it’s an exciting yet challenging moment for Subaru. They have to carefully balance their robust SUV sales while rebooting their performance roots. One thing’s for sure, Subaru fans are eagerly awaiting the day when STI once again takes to the roads with that signature rumble and might.