Yahoo Autos New STI-Badged Subaru WRX Variant Teased
The Subaru WRX STI as we know it is not coming back any time soon. The brand announced early last year that an STI variant of the current WRX was no longer in the cards, and that does not seem to be changing any time soon. Japan does get an STI-badged WRX, though, and a new variant of that WRX S4 STI Sport is set to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month.
The WRX S4 STI Sport is more like a BMW M340i or a Hyundai Elantra N-Line than a proper M3 or Elantra N. While that means it pales in comparison to a full-on WRX STI, the WRX S4 STI Sport♯ prototype being shown at the Auto Salon is a called an "STI complete car" that "enhances stable handling and premium drive feel." The brand is not revealing what exactly that means just yet, but it says that the variant will be scheduled for a limited sales release. Presumably, those cars are earmarked only for the Japanese market.
Subaru is also showing a new variant of the BRZ STI Sport grade at the show, another model that is not quite as exciting as the name might suggest. The automaker calls that a "customized model" rather than a "complete car" and makes no mention of sales, so that show car is unlikely to show up on the Japanese market any time soon.
Will American Subaru buyers get an STi-badged car of their own any time soon? There's some hope, as the brand claimed in its 2022 release that it "is exploring opportunities for the STI, including electrification." Nothing has been announced yet, so enthusiasts looking for a more serious WRX will have to stick with the new-for-2024 WRX TR variant.
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