Subaru recently teased the next-generation WRX with the VIZIV Performance concept but it appears the company hasn’t forgotten about the current model.
According to a document discovered by The Truth About Cars, the 2019 Subaru WRX STI will have an upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine that develops 310 hp (231 kW). This is a modest increase of 5 hp (3 kW) and it matches the output of the limited edition WRX STI Type RA.
Subaru of America product communications manager Dominick Infante told the publication it was “too early for us to comment” about the report but the modest power increase seems well within the realm of possibly.
It remains unclear if the model will receive any additional changes but the 2018 WRX STI received a host of styling updates including a new front fascia with restyled LED headlights and a larger lower grille opening. The model was also equipped with new 19-inch wheels and roof rack mounting brackets.
Interior changes were fairly limited but included upgraded materials and redesigned door grips. On the technology front, the car received a larger 7-inch infotainment system and a 5.9-inch multi-function display.
Engineers worked on improving the STI’s performance by making changes to the suspension and the all-wheel drive system. The model was also equipped with an upgraded Brembo braking system that used stronger monoblock calipers, larger drilled rotors and new brake pads with “significantly greater surface area for improved braking feel and fade resistance.”
The standard Subaru WRX was also mentioned in the VIN decoder document but it suggests the model will continue to use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 268 hp (200 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque.
There’s no word on when the 2019 WRX and WRX STI will be introduced but the current models start at $26,995 and $36,095.
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