4 Easy Bolt-Ons to Improve Your Subaru WRX Power and Performance

For under $28,000, you can drive the rally-bred 2018 Subaru WRX, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance car, respected the world over. Many performance enthusiasts don’t want the higher-performance Subaru STI but still want a bit more performance for their stock WRX. Subaru offers the WRX Sport Package and Performance Package to bump up power and performance. Check them out and see which fits your performance needs and budget. All parts listed come from Subaru's performance and motorsports partner Subaru Tecnica International (STI).

STI performance exhaust

For the 2018 WRX, there’s an STI performance exhaust system ($1,169). The STI exhaust will give the stock WRX a better exhaust note and give it a little more power. The STI Performance exhaust system has practical benefits that allow exhaust gases to flow more freely, so the 2.0-liter turbo Boxer engine “breathes” better, which helps improve overall efficiency. The performance exhaust removes spent gases quickly and easily under all conditions. Subaru doesn’t say how much power increase there is, but it will effectively improve performance. The system comes with the STI logo stamped on the exhaust tips

Short Throw Shifter

The 2018 WRX 6-speed manual gearbox uses a wide ratio spread and incorporates carbon synchronizers on first and second gears. Subaru enhanced shifter feel for the 2018MY 6-speed gearbox, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up.

The Short Throw Shifter ($422) enables the driver to select the right gear much quicker for a more engaging driving experience. The shorter throw enables faster shifts and has a more positive feel than the original-equipment shifter. Anyone who has experienced this on the track can attest that quicker, more precise shifts translate into an overall more engaged driving experience. The shifter gives the WRX a sportier feel on the road or track. It also comes with a custom Aluminum/Leather shift knob.

STI 15 Spoke 18-inch Black Alloy Wheels

The WRX Sport package upgrades to unique STI 15-spoke 18" Black Wheels ($1,895). You might not think wheels can make a difference, but they can have a big effect on the handling of your 2018 Subaru WRX. The STI 15-spoke 18" Black Wheels help enhance overall visual appeal and and they also improve handling over the stock alloy wheels. They reduce unsprung weight, which helps to improve handling performance and steering precision.

WRX Performance Package

The 2018 Subaru WRX Premium trim now offers an available Performance Package ($2,050), including Recaro performance-design front seats and red-finished brake calipers with Jurid high-performance pads for extra stopping power.

For more info check out the 15 Most Popular Subaru WRX/STI Accessories

Photo credit: Subaru USA