Subaru released the new generation of performance sedan WRX in September 2021, I believe that for many performance fans, it is still waiting for the debut of performance flagship and STI models, but unfortunately, according to Subaru's latest statement, the original factory does not intend to launch STI based on the current WRX, and it can be said that the fuel version of WRX STI has been determined to become history.
Subaru's announcement is rather brief, using only three paragraphs to explain that Subaru will focus more on topics such as electrification market trends, greenhouse gas emissions and average fuel consumption of car manufacturers, and to examine the possibilities for a new generation of WRX STI on this basis, and of course, the pure electric version of the STI is also under discussion. At the same time, Subaru also stated that it would not launch a fuel-only version of the WRX STI based on this generation of WRX.
Such a statement without warning can be said to be unexpected by various media. In fact, until the official release of WRX in September 2021, the rumors of WRX STI have not stopped, including powertrain, transmission system, etc., so there has been no doubt about the launch of STI. Even Subaru unveiled a WRX STI Performance Concept based on the Japanese WRX S4 STI Sport R model at the Tokyo Modified Auto Show in January 2022, which made us look forward to the arrival of the new generation of WRX STI.
Although the fuel version of the WRX STI may have become a thing of the past, Subaru also said in the statement that STI represents subaru's brand spirit and brilliant rally history, so in the future it will still combine the essence of STI with various car series to pass on the spirit of STI. As for whether the WRX STI will return in the form of electric vehicles in the future and when it will return, the original factory still has not given an answer.