Subaru has already announced that its next-generation WRX sedan will make its international debut before the end of this year, but what is the deal with its more powerful STI sibling? That, you can expect to surface in 2022 and the rumours about its specifics are already flying fast and furious.
According to Drive, which cited reports from Japanese publication Goo-net, the new WRX and STI models will be powered by turbocharged versions of the 2,4-litre ‘FA24’ flat four engine found in the latest Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 coupe models. But whereas previous reports said that the STI could produce as much as 300 kW, the latest rumours suggest that the figure will be closer to 260 kW. The tamer WRX variant, meanwhile, is expected to produce around 220 kW. As per earlier reports, the WRX’s engine will be paired with a CVT gearbox, while the STI will offer the option of a manual tranny.
Interestingly, it is expected that the new WRX and STI models will be the last Subaru’s to come without any form of hybrid electrification.
Like its predecessor, the new WRX and STI family will be based on the Levorg wagon, Goo-net reports, so if you can picture a sedan version of the second-generation Subaru Levorg, then you probably have a good idea of how the new WRX models will look, albeit with a bit more visual aggression than what we see with the less-powerful wagon variants. The Subaru Viziv STI Concept reportedly also holds some clues.
Incidentally Subaru has already shown us the basic shape of the new WRX, in the teaser pic that you see below.
But we’ll have to wait until later this year to see it in the flesh.
