In recent years, titans of the automotive industry and legends have fallen in the wake of electrification – that time has come for the beloved STI brand. Ryan de Villiers explains.
Brands and divisions with decades of experience in internal combustion engine development have been decommissioned as a result of a majority push towards carbon neutrality. The most recent – and perhaps most heartbreaking for some – has been the announcement by Subaru that their next WRX STI will not feature an internal combustion engine and will not be produced on the existing WRX platform.
According to a press release, “As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next-generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification. In the meantime, a next-generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.” The highly acclaimed WRX and STI nameplates make up the firm’s performance-oriented range, prolific throughout the motor industry and motorsport from rally to time attack. Subaru has confirmed that the 2021 Subaru WRX STI will be the final petrol-feed model using the WRX platform.
Subaru Tecnica International (STI) began in 1988 and quickly rose in popularity and notoriety as a result of the victories the marque’s subdivision saw in WRC. Since its inception, the STI badge has been affixed to some of the firm’s most celebrated and acclaimed vehicles, such as the 1998 Subaru WRX STI, 2001 WRX STI nicknamed the “bugeye”, and most recently the 2021 STI. These cars were outfitted all with the Japanese automaker’s iconic horizontally-opposed turbocharged boxer engine.
Subaru’s current electric powertrain architecture has affectionately adopted the boxer heritage and is known as “E-Boxer” technology. According to the marque, the E-boxer design inherits the positives and successful design features of its ICE predecessor resulting in a lower centre of gravity and performance in line with the STI lineage.
Marching to the drumbeat that the rest of the automotive industry is following, the Nipponese firm will now grow its electric vehicle line-up. The E-boxer production and sale will most likely eclipse the marques dying internal combustion engine line-up. In the statement from Subaru they said, “The Subaru WRX STI and the STI brand represent the zenith of Subaru’s performance vehicles exemplifying Subaru’s unique DNA and rally heritage. As we look to the future, we also look forward to incorporating the essence of STI into our next generation of vehicles.”
