Subaru Acknowledges It's Dull and Seeks to Reintroduce the STI, Though Not in the Way You Recall | Carscoops

      While the STI could make a comeback soon, don't anticipate it reaching the level of performance it had in the past.

      Subaru’s European chief stated that the brand has lost its performance identity and is eager to regain it.

      The revival of the STI may involve electric or hybrid technologies due to strict emissions regulations.

      The brand must stabilize its SUV sales before investing in a new performance flagship model.

      Subaru has been in the news this week, but not for the reasons that enthusiasts might wish. The focus has been on the Trailseeker EV and the Outback, leaving performance fans still waiting. The last significant excitement around a performance-oriented Subaru came in July 2024 with Project Midnight, a concept that felt more like a reminder of what is missing rather than a sign of future developments. Now, Subaru's European head is echoing what many fans have been thinking: Subaru has lost its performance edge.

      In an interview with Autocar, David Dello Stritto mentioned, “We have plans to restore the sportiness of Subaru.” He clarified that the brand still represents safety, fun, and durability but acknowledged that the performance aspect has faded away.

      He added, “If you ask the average person what Subaru stands for, they'll say STI. You can’t separate this from Subaru. Therefore, we need to reintroduce sportiness to Subaru.” He continued, “As of now, we can’t do it. Europe states you can’t, because you have a GPF [gasoline particulate filter] that can seriously limit engine performance.” In other words, the revival of an internal combustion STI that fans desire isn't occurring, at least not in Europe.

      Stritto suggested that electrification could be the way forward. “With an electric vehicle, you have the power and performance, plus an all-wheel-drive system. We're developing more sporty models, and electrification enables us to achieve this. Let's be honest, it’s exciting to imagine a future WRX STI – ultra-fast, gold wheels, blue color. That’s what we ultimately desire,” he noted. Subaru has already registered trademarks for “STe,” indicating a potential electrified STI in the future.

      The performance aspect is currently more symbolic than substantive.

      The truth is that Subaru has a significant journey ahead if it aims to reclaim its position in the performance sector. For many years, it has relied on the legacy of the original WRX. The very first WRX STI available in the U.S. produced 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. It weighed 3,263 pounds and achieved a combined 18 mpg. Additionally, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

      In contrast, the last North American WRX STI from 2021 generated 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. It weighed 3,450 pounds and also managed up to 18 mpg combined. Its 0 to 60 mph time was 5.5 seconds. Overall, this reflects no performance advancement and, in some instances, a decline.

      In Japan, there's a new WRX STI S210 limited to 500 units, but its specifications are even less impressive. It produces only 296 horsepower (221 kW) and 276 lb-ft (375 Nm) of torque. Interestingly, Subaru did not include the 0-60 time in its official press release.

      Currently, Subaru does not offer a WRX STI anymore. The existing WRX for sale is undoubtedly more luxurious than previous models, but it falls short of the performance value seen in the earliest North American versions. One can only hope that Dello Stritto and his team can deliver on what has been lacking for nearly twenty years.

      Before launching a true performance flagship, Subaru must first generate profits from its mainstream models. In a conversation with Auto Express, Stritto confessed, “I need volume first. I need to sell my SUVs. They must be profitable. We all need to get back on track. It’s a challenging time, but once stability is achieved, we can look forward to creating that new flagship model and satisfying that crucial segment of our customers.”