#2012SubaruWrxSti

What is Subaru planning for the next STI? We’re sorry to say we don’t have the answer, yet, but if you’re a Subie fanboy the car’s product boss has some good news for you. According to Akihide Takeuchi, Impreza product manager, we should have high expectations.

Having r ecently set a new record for a production car on the Isle of Man TT motorcycle circuit, Subaru has now released a video to document the feat on the 200 turn, 37 mile course.

The mostly stock WRX STI was driven by Isle of Man native Mark Higgins who managed to shave 20 seconds off his first 19:56.7 run. With a new 19:37 time Higgins further solidifies himself in the record book, edging slight closer, but still very far away, from the motorcycle record. That time is a 17:12.3, set by John McGuinness in a Honda CBR1000RR back in 2009.

“This is one of the most daunting tracks I have ever driven, and the most terrifying,” said Higgins, a Manx native. “We were only able to get two practice runs and on our second practice I had the biggest ‘moment’ of my career. We had a passenger on the run and so coming into Bray Hill at more than 150 MPH, the extra weight compressed the suspension more than on previous runs and shifted the Subaru to the left and then right as I corrected–it was a real tank slapper. The whole thing went by so quickly that we never slowed below 110 MPH, and then we were back on the power. It was amazing and the helicopter shots really show just how hairy it really was.”

Watch the video after the jump and read AutoGuide’s 2011 Subaru WRX STI Review here:

There are a lot of rumors surrounding the next Subaru Impreza WRX STI, with some reports suggesting it will go diesel, while others point to a hybrid version. And while we don’t yet know what the decided powerplant will be, we can guarantee it will include AWD, go like stink and look awesome!