Subaru WRX STI
| Subaru WRX STI | |
|---|---|
.jpg) A Subaru WRX STI | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Subaru (Subaru Tecnica International) |
| Also called | Subaru Impreza WRX STI (1992–2014) |
| Production | 1992–2014 (Impreza-based models) 2015–2021 (WRX-based models) |
| Assembly | Japan: Ōta, Gunma (Main Plant) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport compact car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Platform | Subaru SI Platform |
| Related | Subaru WRX |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
The Subaru WRX STI is a variant of the Subaru WRX sedan produced by in-house tuning company Subaru Tecnica International between 2004 and 2021. It succeeded the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Production of the WRX STI concluded after its first generation, there are currently no plans for a VB WRX STI.[1] STI also offers many factory-backed accessories usually available from dealerships, and accented in STI's signature cherry blossom, a tribute to the iconic tree of the same name from the brand's homeland of Japan.
First Generation (VA; 2014–2021)
[edit]The VA WRX STI was released in 2014 alongside the VA WRX. It featured uprated brakes, the famous Subaru Technica International tuned EJ257 4-cylinder engine, an uprated 6 speed manual transmission, along with a unique body kit and spoiler. Interior upgrades include an STI-exclusive gauge cluster, shifter knob, and other unique touches, including Recaro bucket seats in certain models. The WRX STI for the most part featured a red accented interior, over the WRX's black and grey.[2]
Starting with the MY2018 update, the WRX STI obtained several changes, such as a restyled front fascia, steering responsive headlights (SRH), revised suspension tuning, a fully electronic driver controlled central differential (DCCD), 19-inch wheels, and upgraded Brembo brakes.[3]
In 2020, Subaru announced they would be phasing out the WRX STI along with the EJ257, the last variant of the EJ engine, with the release of the VB series WRX in 2021. Subaru introduced the STI WRX EJ25 Final Edition, based on Subaru's flagship STI Spec R. The EJ25 Final Edition features a range of upgrades including BBS 19” gold forged aluminium wheels, silver Brembo calipers, black door mirror covers, front grille pinstripe in STI cherry blossom, Final Edition engine cover plate, and numbered EJ25 Final Edition badge.[4] Only 75 were produced for markets across the globe.
Second Generation (VB; 2021–)
[edit]Although there is no official VB WRX STI available, Subaru has showcased an STI S210 prototype,[5] though limited to Japan only. For markets outside of Japan, Subaru has introduced several trim levels of WRX with 'tuning by STI'[6] and STI offers many accessories for the second generation WRX such as lip spoilers, exhaust tips, shifter knobs, and many other options depending on region.
On June 1st, 2025, Subaru's CTO (Chief Technology Officer) Tetsuro Fujinuki announced that the company will unveil a new car at the Japan Mobility Show that will be held in October 2025. A drawing of a car was quickly shown to the audience and the styling of the featured drawing has auto journalists speculating that it could be of the new generation WRX STI.[7][8]
Engines
[edit]The only engines that have been in the standalone WRX STI that began in MY2015 are the EJ257 (Export) and EJ207 (JDM only) specifications of the Subaru EJ engine.
The MY2015 to MY2018 EJ257 in the WRX STI excluding the 2018 Type RA, produced 305 hp @ 6000 rpm and 290 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm [9][10]. MY2019 saw the power increase to 310 hp with torque figures unchanged, and they remained there for the remaining years up to MY2021 excluding the 2019 S209.[11][12]. The 2018 Type RA produced 310 hp @ 6000 rpm and 290 lb-ft torque @ 4000 rpm and the 2019 S209 produced 341 hp @ 6400 rpm and 330 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
The EJ207 in the WRX STI produced 308 PS @ 6400 rpm and 422 Nm torque @ 4400 rpm except in the s207 and the s208 models. The s207 saw 328 PS @ 7200 rpm adn 431 Nm @ 3200-4800 rpm[13] while the s208 saw 329 PS @ 7200 rpm and 432 Nm @ 3200–4800 rpm[14].
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Subaru WRX S4 STI Sport R EX. -
The tuned-by-STI EJ257 Boxer-Turbo engine. -
Three Subaru WRX STIs
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References
[edit]- ^ Subaru WRX STI - Subaru Australia, Subaru Australia, retrieved 2023-03-24
- ^ "FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES Ltd. NEWS RELEASE | NewsRelease". Subaru Corporation. 2024-01-15. Retrieved 2024-07-21.
- ^ "2018 Subaru WRX STI Press Kit:SUBARU INTRODUCES LIMITED EDITION WRX STI TYPE RA AND a FULL SLATE OF VEHICLE UPGRADES FOR 2018 - Subaru U.S. Media Center".
- ^ 2021 Subaru WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition, Collecting Cars, retrieved 2023-03-24
- ^ "Subaru unveiled STI complete car S210 Prototype (Japanese model) at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 | NewsRelease". Subaru Corporation. Retrieved 2025-02-22.
- ^ "Finally: The 2025 Subaru WRX tS Gives You All The Go-Fast Stuff". The Autopian. 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ "スバル、ジャパンモビリティショーで新型車を発表 藤貫Ctoが富士24時間で謎の新型車について語った全文掲載".
- ^ "Return of the WRX STI? Subaru Teases Aggressive-Looking Car Ahead of Fall 2025 Reveal". Road & Track.
- ^ "2018 Subaru WRX STI Review, Pricing, and Specs".
- ^ "SUBARU DEBUTS 2018 WRX AND WRX STI WITH PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND SAFETY UPGRADES - Subaru U.S. Media Center".
- ^ "Road Test: 2019 Subaru WRX STI". 23 November 2018.
- ^ "2019 Subaru WRX STI Press Kit:SUBARU INTRODUCES 2019 WRX STI® MODEL WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND SERIES.GRAY LIMITED-EDITION - Subaru U.S. Media Center".
- ^ "STI Releases "S207" Limited-Edition "WRX STI" in Japan | NewsRelease".
- ^ "S208 Special Edition of WRX STI Announced; Limited to 450 Units | NewsRelease".