The 2020 Subaru WRX STI is a good performance value but it can be better. There are 5 things Subaru can do to the next-generation STI to make it the best.
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We aren’t down on the Subaru WRX STI, and think the sedan is a good performance value, but why settle for good when you can be the best? Fans want Subaru to make the next-generation 2021 WRX STI something special and make improvements that will bring it back to being the leader in the compact sports car segment.
The 2020 Subaru STI is six years in its current generation and it’s falling behind the competition, but Subaru can fix it with the new-generation model. Here are five mistakes the Japanese automaker made with the current generation STI since its launch in 2015.
Subaru dropped the 5-Door Hatchback
What would turn things around? A return to the hatch body style would help bring the compact performance car back to life. Performance fans have been asking for the return of the 5-Door body style since it was dropped in 2015. This fix is simple. The new-generation STI needs a hatch body style to compete with the new Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R models.
They didn’t give the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer enough power upgrades
Subaru Corporation upgraded the 2019 STI’s 2.5-liter boxer engine with more horsepower, from 305 to 310 horsepower but it wasn’t enough. The torque stayed the same at 290 lb. ft of torque. The 6-speed manual gearbox featured a revised 3rd gear ratio which helped contribute to faster acceleration times according to Subaru.
Reports from Road and Track say the new 2021 Subaru WRX STI will be powered by the Ascent, Legacy and new Outback-sourced 277 horsepower FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer. Subaru Tecnica International could rework the internals and bump up horsepower and torque considerably if they use it in the next-generation WRX STI. This would be a welcome upgrade.
The WRX STI didn’t look enough like the WRX Concept
Everyone remembers the WRX Concept that broke cover at the New York Auto Show in 2013. Fans loved the new design language, but Subaru chose to go with a much milder version. Subaru Corporation needs to get more aggressive with the next-generation STI body style that sets it apart from the current model. The VIZIV Performance STI Concept Subaru brought to the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 would be a good place to start.
No DSG automatic transmission
The current-generation Subaru WRX STI comes with only one gearbox, the 6-speed manual rower. It’s a good transmission for performance enthusiasts, but Subaru could take the performance of the STI up a notch with a new direct-shift gearbox known as a DSG. The gearbox is capable of ultra-fast shifts that even the most proficient user of a manual rower simply can’t match.
Subaru is committed to the CVT and they will continue to use it in the WRX because it saves fuel and it’s compatible with the EyeSight driver assist safety system. If Subaru wants to seriously upgrade the STI, they should develop a six-speed variant like VW Golf’s DSG.
Subaru’s WRX STI 2.5-liter Boxer engine failure issue
Subaru settled an engine failure lawsuit over the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in 2012-2017 Subaru WRX STI models. This hurt credibility with many performance fans. Forbes even came out recently and put the WRX STI on their top-10 cars to avoid list for 2019. Subaru will likely drop the EJ25 in the next-generation WRX STI. The new FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer could be the best answer.
The next-generation Subaru WRX STI is expected to arrive sometime late next year as a 2021 model year. Subaru has made mistakes with the 2015-2020 STI but it can be fixed to make it the best.
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Denis Flierl has invested nearly 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates!
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Photo credit: Subaru USA, Subaru Canada (via Ross)
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I am sick of all these
I am sick of all these special editions from Subaru.
Series White
Series Khaki Gray
Series Blue
Series Purple
Enough is enough we want the all-new wrx and wrx sti
Stopped reading when you
Stopped reading when you mentioned it needs a DSG. I don't have an STi to win races, I have one because they're fun. Manuals are fun. Automatics are boring (DSG has no clutch = boring).
Actually....a DSG has 2
Actually....a DSG has 2 clutches, what it doesnt have is a clutch pedal. But, yes I agree, the whole reason this car is manual only is because the are not built to be an eco box comfort vehicle. If you want an automatic performance car go buy a mu(shit)stang and stick to a strip where steering and braking arent needed.
Non-enthusiasts would not buy
Non-enthusiasts would not buy this car. I highly doubt an automatic transmission on an sti would sell well.
I keep reading about how
I keep reading about how Subaru should bring back the hatch.
Here is why I don't think they should:
As you mentioned, 2015 was the last year the WRX had the hatch as an option. Funny thing, the sedan had better sales. It makes fiscal sense to drop it. Personally, I don't want the hatch. It looks too much like a kids car.
Secondly, Subaru now has the Levorg. For all intent and purposes, it's a hatch WRX. It's not available in America, true. I suspect it's because Subaru feels it wouldn't sell well here, maybe.
I am currious to see what 2021 will bring. But I can promise you that, it's not a hatch. Thank goodness!