Dead but not buried, the WRX STI returns to screens via unofficial renders
Subaru blindsided everyone when it announced it would axe the WRX STI early last year.
While the Subaru WRX STI will return it’ll be an EV and will lack the iconic boxer engine rumble of its predecessors – and probably the iconic bonnet scoop too.
Which is what makes this unofficial WRX STI hatchback render by prolific CGI artist X-TOMI Design such a bitter-sweet work of art.
STI-loving hearts everywhere will no doubt skip a beat upon seeing a creation, based on the current generation WRX and complete with WRC Blue paintwork, gold BBS alloy wheels, signature bonnet scoop and a ground-hugging stance.
It’s a very close approximation of what would have been, had Subaru followed through with a new-generation rally-bred AWD hot hatch.
Previous-generation Subaru WRX STI
Subaru revealed a number of STI parts for the Impreza at this week’s Tokyo Auto Salon, but the upgrades don’t convey the gravitas that a proper WRX STI brings to bear.
The 2023 Subaru WRX STI was well into its development cycle and was to be powered by a cracking 300kW/500Nm version of Subaru’s FA24 2.4-litre turbo-petrol flat four, with Subaru sources previously telling carsales it would be a world-beater.
Emissions regulations killed the project not long before it was supposed to launch and the Japanese car-maker never officially revealed vital statistics nor any designs for the new model.
Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read last year told carsales the next WRX STI was under development but wouldn’t be drawn on when we would see it or what shape it would take.
“I can’t talk about the next STI model at this point. It’s very, very early,” he said at the time.
It’s understood a new WRX STI may not break cover for several years, potentially not until the sixth-generation WRX launches around 2030.
Australian buyers have snapped up more than 10,000 Subaru WRX STI across four generations since the original model was launched back in 1994.
Second-hand prices have gone through the roof after its axing, but it pays to be aware of what to check for before investing in a used WRX STI, many of which have lived a hard life.
Digital image: X-TOMI Design
Subaru Viziv STI Performance concept
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Keyword: Subaru WRX STI returns – in our dreams