A high-output turbocharged 2.4-litre is nearly guaranteed for duty in the WRX STI.
The WRX may get the 2.4-litre or possibly a turbocharged 1.8-litre.
The cars will be built on Subaru’s global platform which makes almost anything possible.
These two cars will also make numerous headlines in the coming weeks and months. Like the Nissan 400Z, the Subaru WRX and WRX STI represent the brand’s passion for doing what they do, and they simply cannot be overlooked. Here are some of the emerging details on the next-generation Subaru WRX and WRX STI.
2020 Subaru WRX STI Kanrai Edition | Photo: Subaru
The new WRX could break cover between next spring and a year from now, and would hit the road in the following spring. Most likely, it will follow in the new Subaru Levorg’s footsteps. The superb new sports station wagon’s physical attributes such as its more prominent front end, stronger aero, revised headlights should all find their way onto the WRX. The impressive Subaru VIZIV Concept should also serve as an influence.
The Levorg is expected to be powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre boxer 4-cylinder engine which is said will produce about 200 horsepower. This will clearly not do in North America but this powerplant could create an affordable sports car, much like the 1.5-litre Mazda MX-5. The car will be fun, but not necessarily fast.
Odds are that the new WRX and WRX STI will earn the 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder engine. According to carsensor.net, it’s the logical choice. The WRX’s tune should be quite similar to the current Ascent SUV, with its 260 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft of torque.
The WRX STI will potentially be revealed a few months after, at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2021. Here, the 2.4-litre unit would be of the high-output variety and, as reported previously, develop upwards of 400 horsepower and 360+ lb.-ft. of torque. For now, no one should fear the disappearance of the manual transmission for both cars. Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission tops out at 300 lb.-ft. of torque.
Physically, we can expect that the big rear wing, larger flared fenders, and more aggressive aero will all be included.
Subaru Viziv Performance STI Concept
We’re reviewing a 2020 WRX this week and must say that we still very much enjoy the EJ20’s power and responsiveness. It will be missed by all Subaru and motorsports fans.
