New Subaru WRX/STI is riding high now but competition is coming

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The new-generation 2015 Subaru WRX/STI leads the brand’s lineup in percentage of sales increase. How will Subaru respond to the new hot hatch from Ford?

Subaru’s 2015 WRX/STI accounts for only six percent of Subaru of America’s total sales, but the performance cars are a big part of the brand’s success. Subaru WRX/STI sales for January 2015 increased 59 percent over January 2014 leading the brands lineup for the largest percentage of sale increase. WRX/STI is setting records and saw the best January sales ever for the performance car.

Demand for WRX/STI is high

Sales of the new 2015 WRX/STI performance sedans are hot and dealers can’t get enough to meet the demand. The new-generation WRX/STI only comes in a sedan body style and it isn’t hurting sales. Subaru decided to drop the five-door model for the new model change and only offer the four-door sedan variant. Subaru hasn’t said if a five-door hatch is coming at a future date in the new generation sports cars. Subaru may need to offer the five-door hatch again as new competition is coming from Ford.

Subaru getting new competition from Ford

Ford just released information on their new hot hatch, Focus RS, and it’s coming to the U.S. Subaru will be getting competition from the next generation RS as it’s coming with all-wheel-drive and likely will feature the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine from the Ford Mustang. It’s been reported here on Torque News that the hot RS turbocharged engine will get somewhere in the 325 hp range with 350 lb. ft of torque. The new RS five-door is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms sometime later this year or early 2016. How will Subaru respond?

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Subaru seems to be making all the right decisions with their performance cars WRX and WRX STI. The hot performance sedans are more popular than ever with performance enthusiasts around the globe. Fuji Heavy Industries is well aware that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is going away after this model year. They are also well aware of new competition coming from the Ford Focus RS.