Subaru’s legendary WRX STI could return to its best in 2021.
Having been left behind by compact performance car rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R and Audi RS3 in recent years, the range-topping Subaru could deliver something special in the near future.
A report by Japan-based automotive journalist Peter Lyon, published by Forbes, cites unnamed sources close to the project as saying the next WRX STI will be powered by a development of the “FA24” 2.4-litre engine found in the seven-seat Subaru Ascent.
The new motor is tipped to make 300kW and 490Nm, enough to give Subaru an alternative to high-performance compact cars such as Audi’s RS3 and the Mercedes-AMG A45.
Power will flow to all four wheels, but we don’t know what sort of transmission will be used.
While many rivals offer advanced dual-clutch automatic transmissions which shine in fast driving, Subaru’s current two-pedal solution is a CVT automatic with little critical acclaim.
Styling will come from Subaru’s line of Viziv, or vision for innovation, concept cars.
Subaru previously hinted at the new WRX arriving as a hybrid, though the Forbes report suggests that may not be the case.
- News.com.au