Current generation Subaru WRX STI

(March 14, 2022) Subaru has just done what most enthusiasts would have considered unthinkable. The company announced that there will not be a high-performance STI variant of the recently redesigned 2022 Subaru WRX. Instead, Subaru is looking at potentially electrifying the next-generation WRX STI.
   

   


Subaru said in a statement, "As the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses, zero emissions vehicles, and Corporate Average Fuel Economy."

That means for now, the WRX STI is officially dead. This comes as a shock, especially considering the performance potential of the all-new WRX. which we recently road tested. Most performance enthusiasts were expecting a new WRX STI to come, and soon, but it looks as though the previous STI is the last time the rally-bred sport sedan will feature an internal combustion engine.

From the Subaru statement, "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 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."

The fifth-generation WRX, introduced for the 2022 model year, is the first version of the sporty compact sedan built on Subaru's Global Platform.