A report out of Japan claims that Subaru is readying something very special with the next-generation WRX STI and will look to make it more capable than ever before.
It is understood that the flagship WRX STI will feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine with no less than 400 HP. That is a significant jump up from the 310 HP and 290 lb-ft (393 Nm) of torque of the current car. Interestingly, it is claimed that Subaru isn’t just moving to an enlarged 2.4-liter engine for more power but also because the 2.4-liter is said to be more efficient and has better driveability.
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These claims come from Japanese publication Car Sensor and mimic a report from Forbes back in February. In all likelihood, this potent version of the 2.4-liter engine, which is actually derived from the engine used by the Ascent, will be mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission that will probably be an updated version of the gearbox used by the current STI.
Meanwhile, the lesser Subaru WRX is also expected to use a version of the same 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It will be detuned but should offer up more than the 268 HP and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of the current WRX. It will be available with a six-speed manual and an upgraded CVT. Horsepower and torque figures aren’t mentioned although Car Sensor does claim the car’s CVT can’t handle more than 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).
Both the new WRX and WRX STI will sit on the Subaru Global Platform and feature the brand’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
The report asserts the new models will launch in early 2022.
