400 horsepower for the next Subaru WRX STi?

• The next Subaru WRX STI could develop as much as 400 hp;

• Reports are saying it will be powered by the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine;

• The Subaru VIZIV Concept should serve as inspiration for the design of the WRX/WRX STI duo.

In the Subaru lineup, two models are showing worrying signs of ageing: the BRZ coupe and the WRX / WRX STI tandem. Fans of these performance-oriented vehicles will be pleased to learn that both the coupe and sedan are in the development phase.

Already, rumours are rife about what will propel the next BRZ, as well as its Toyota cousin, the 86. The 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder flat engine already powering the Legacy, the Outback and Ascent could be the ideal mill for the rear-wheel-drive coupe.

But what about the WRX, but especially the WRX STi version? According to Forbes, the flagship model could also receive the 2.4-litre block, but with some internal adjustments like new pistons, a reinforced crankshaft as well as improved turbo pressure.

This massive adrenaline rush would allow the Subaru super sedan to compete with two others from Germany: the Audi RS3 and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, which can also count on 400-horsepower powertrains.

As for the WRX, it would be logical to have a less dynamic version of the same engine. We’ll see by the end of the year, the next-generation Subaru WRX STI should hit our roads by 2021.

Finally, the design of this future four-door bomb is likely to be inspired by the VIZIV Performance prototype unveiled in 2017, with a less wild result than the concept of course.