Motor1’s artists create a possible successor to the current STI based on Viziv Performance.
Motor1 Italy has created a rendering of the next generation Subaru WRX STI. This design was heavily influenced in part by the Subaru Viziv Performance Concept, which was presented at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
The current-gen WRX STI fans will be pleased to know that the design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Despite its rally-car performance, and trademark large wing, the STI is still a Subaru. This means that the overall styling and design language will remain conservative.
This is not a bad thing. The WRT and STI have stayed true to their roots, which is a four-door, all-wheel drive, turbo engine, and four doors. The current-generation car may be more refined than ever but it still follows the basic formula we love since 2004 (or 1997 for those of you who grew up with Gran Turismo). The rendering retains the hexagon-shaped grille and the slab-sided flared fender flares. The rendering is a little more difficult-edged than the current vehicle, but it looks tougher overall. What could be the next STI’s undercarriage? Although we have heard rumors about hybrid power in the next-gen WRX we are hoping the STI gets a hot-rodded version the FA20DIT engine found in the current WRX.
We love the EJ25 engine in the current STI. However, it is a poor choice as a street car because of its low-end, poor fuel economy and high-strung character. We would still miss the distinctive EJ exhaust rumble from unmatched-length headers. This sound is absent from FA20DIT-powered WRXs up to 2015.
We hope that the production STI will look like ours. Although the Subaru rally homologation car’s descendants aren’t the most advanced or refined sports cars, they’re still very much loved, particularly in today’s rapidly changing automotive market. In this day and age, driving a WRX and an STI is like going back to your hometown and finding your favorite pizza place is still open. It’s like going back in time – it’s just as good as what you remember.