It’s happening, ladies and gentlemen! After filing the trademark for S209 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Subaru released a teaser clip of the WRX STI to rule all WRX STI models.
“Does this mean we’re getting the 2.0-liter turbo from Japan?” Unfortunately no, Subaru hasn’t filed anything with the Environmental Protection Agency in regard to this engine, leaving the 2.5-liter turbo to soldier on with more suck-squeeze-bang-blow than before.
The sports sedan develops 310 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, which isn’t bad at all but not up there with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost in the Focus RS. On the other hand, Subaru might give the EJ25 the same kind of output as the Diamond Edition in South Africa.
Subaru Tecnica International squeezed 354 PS and 464 Nm from the Diamond Edition, working out to 349 horsepower and 342 pound-feet. This still isn’t on par with the Focus Mk III-based hot hatchback from the Blue Oval, but it’s a welcome upgrade nonetheless.
Pricing is another mystery, with the WRX STI in bone-stock configuration starting at $36,595 excluding destination and delivery. The Type RA used to retail at $49,855, making it $12,900 more expensive than the STI. Given the exclusivity of the S209, we’re expecting somewhere in the ballpark of $45,000 for this special edition of the WRX STI.
The YouTube video’s description confirms that Subaru will take the veil off on January 14th at the North American International Auto Show. Detroit is also the place where Ford will unveil the 2020 Explorer, Shelby GT500, and Toyota will unleash the BMW-powered Supra.
It is understood the next generation of the WRX and WRX STI will break cover in 2020, featuring Viziv design influences and even hybridization. At the least, Subaru could use an integrated starter generator to provide a small amount of electric boost under acceleration while reducing emissions in the urban jungle.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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