Subaru WRX STI: goodbye or goodbye? – Preview – Wheel Icons
Subaru WRX STI: goodbye or goodbye? – Preview – Wheel Icons
As announced a few weeks ago, the Subaru WRX STI is set to retire. The Japanese company has actually announced that in various markets, including European ones, the sports sedan will leave the scene next year. However, we hope that this does not necessarily have to mean a final goodbye to this line or its transformation into an SUV, as has happened or will happen with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Evo ...
In fact, at the last Tokyo salon, Subaru introduced Viziv Performance, a concept car that could anticipate a future successor to the WRX. At least the design of this prototype has received positive feedback from the public, according to Mamoru Ishii, and this new stylistic language will shape the next WRX, which he announces will most likely run on plug-in hybrid mechanics.
"This car," Mamoru Ishii told British Autocar magazine, "has a lot of anticipation inside and outside of our company."
In terms of new technology, Subaru's chief designer said:
"Autonomous driving and connectivity are inevitable, but that's not exactly what all of our customers are looking for, many still prioritize driving pleasure and that's the path we're exploring."
In short, in the future, autonomous driving of the Subaru WRX will not deprive the driver of the protagonist, even if some of the latest generation of driving assistance systems, such as the EyeSight already present on some Subaru models, inevitably appear.
Designed for electrification
From a mechanical point of view, the current 2.5-liter turbo WRX STIWhile it may satisfy sports driving enthusiasts, it has no future in Europe given the emissions regulations in the Old Continent. Therefore, there is no other way for Subaru but electrification. And how is the future Subaru wrx will likely adopt the Subaru Global Platform, a hybrid solution, at least on paper, is already paved.
Mamoru Ishii assured that the engine is not a critical element for WRX customers.
"Hood air intake, well-marked wheel arches and four-wheel drive are essential, but they remain open to virtually any type of engine as long as it guarantees performance in this range."
