Subaru Vows: ‘STI Isn’t Dead’

There’s been a lot of questions lately about Subaru’s beloved STI badge—mainly, when will we finally get a new one? Subaru has unveiled some interesting concepts, but the company has yet to confirm a new STI model for production.

Even without a new STI model, the STI remains an important part of Subaru’s identity. In a recent conversation with Australia DriveSubaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence explains that the performance brand isn’t going anywhere:

‘The tempo of STI news and public activity is increasing. He has the most vocal following in the Subaru camp. As these concepts prove, there is a lot of work being done in the area—STI is not dead.’

Subaru WRX STI Sport# Prototype

Photo by: Subaru

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Subaru provided a glimpse of its next performance car with the debut of the WRX STI Sport Prototype# (shown above) in Tokyo this past January. The concept features a modern STI sedan built on the latest WRX VB platform. Last October, the company also showed off two STI concepts: Performance-B and Performance-E.

While the Performance-E presents a futuristic vision of what an STI electric performance car could be like, the Performance-B is more grounded in reality. Riding on the five-door Impreza platform, the Performance-B concept features a series of STI-specific performance upgrades—including, most importantly, a manual transmission.

Subaru has said that if fans want a new STI, they have to make their voices heard. Judging by the flow of current concepts, there is reason to believe that something may be happening. Now all that remains is whether—and when—one of these concepts finally makes it into production.

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Source: Subaru

Motor1’s opinion: It’s a relief to hear that STIs are not going away. But until those three letters appear on the back of real performance cars again, fans will continue to wait—and wonder.