Next Subaru WRX STI Reportedly Going Hybrid
According to a recent report, the next-generation Subaru WRX STI will be electrified.
Speaking to Dutch website AutoRAI, Subaru Europe’s sales and marketing manager David Dello Stritto said the current WRX STI’s 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine “can simply not exist in the future.” That means it will likely be replaced by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that could open some new possibilities for the sports sedan. For example, Subaru could use electric motors to power the rear wheels, while retaining a boxer engine so the WRX STI doesn’t lose its entire soul.
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It will be some time before the hybrid WRX STI is introduced however. There will be a gap when the current-generation WRX STI exits the lineup and the new model is introduced, while Subaru works on the hybrid powertrain. “There will really be a new WRX STI in the future, but it takes time,” added Dello Stritto. “We’re not giving up on ‘fun to drive.’ The new Impreza delivers this fun in a different, more sensible, CO2 emissions-complaint way.”
Dello Stritto was careful to not explicitly say the next WRX STI will be hybrid, but suggested as much. Considering the next WRX will be underpinned by the new Subaru Global Platform, it would makes sense for it to take advantage of electrification since the platform was engineered with hybrids in mind.
Discuss this story on our Subaru WRX Forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The quote was that the 2.5L motor can't exist in the future. Since they already have a 2L in the WRX wouldn't it make sense that the STi would also get a 2L motor? He didn't allude to a hybrid or anything else except that the 2.5L wouldn't exist. A hybrid is a leap.
Just further proof that Subaru has lost touch with WRX consumers. The people interested in a WRX are looking for a buildable/tunable performance car. One would have thought lessons would have been learned from the GTI as the car was watered down to appeal to every niche that it became a big nothing. Adding a squishy automatic was the first nail in the coffin. Subaru claimed to be listening to the enthusiast. Really? What enthusiast has ever said, What can you do to make me feel more disconnected from the feel of my car? A hybrid performance car? Sure, sounds great to some. But leave the WRX for the purests.