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Saying Subaru Is Giving Up On Its Performance Cars Is Total Nonsense

Recent reports imply that the sky is falling, and Subaru will give up on its performance cars. This is false and sloppy, and it isn't based on fact. It's pure nonsense.
2024 Subaru WRX

I've seen several erroneous reports that Subaru might give up on its performance cars and that its sports cars are in trouble. Don't listen because the information is not accurate. It's sloppy reporting at best. Subaru has never been more committed to its two performance cars, the WRX and BRZ. 

Aren't Sales Down?

Yes, sales are down for the Subaru WRX performance sedan and BRZ two-door rear-drive sport coupe. I've reported that for months. You can read my report here. But it's not the end because sales have slipped. Before I explain why, let's check the May sales report from Subaru of America (SOA).

For May, SOA reports the WRX has decreased in sales again. Retailers sold 1,673 performance models to customers compared with 2,771 in May 2023. That's a 39.6 percent decrease, 

The WRX was down 39.0 percent for the first five months of 2024, with 7,963 models sold compared to 13,047 in 2023. 

Doesn't Subaru Need More WRX Sales?

Subaru would like more WRX sales, but they aren't dependent on them. Subaru says the opposite is true for specific models. It's not about hitting record sales every month. Subaru has a committed performance fan base that will buy the correct number of sports cars so that Subaru of America and its retailers can remain profitable. 

Subaru Isn't Worried

It's about price, value, and not having to provide incentives to move an overproduced model off dealers' lots. 

The WRX and BRZ attract a younger demographic. When they grow out of the performance models, Subaru will be ready to sell them a Crosstrek or Forester as their family grows. 

To say Subaru might give up on its performance car division is total nonsense (insert any swear word here ending in BS), and it would be accurate in the way Subaru feels about it. It's false and uninformed reporting. 

Are the two models going away? Check out the facts before you jump to conclusions. 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

You've heard the saying don't listen to what they say; watch what they do. All you have to do is watch Subaru's performance and motorsports partner, Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Subaru Corporation and STI just won the Nurburgring 24-hour race. You don't pour that kind of time, money, and commitment into a dying performance car. There's more. 

I don't cover the BRZ GT300 race car, but Subaru runs in the Super GT Series with its BRZ, developed with STI. It's the top race series in Japan, and Subaru Corporation has been fully invested in it for years. This year is no different.  

Did You See The New WRX tS?

Drop the WRX? The opposite is true. Subaru is more invested in the WRX than ever before. They recently launched the WRX tS performance car with new upgrades. They dropped the WRX TR after only one year because it wasn't good enough, so they upgraded it with tS. Read my recent report here.

Where's The STI?

Don't forget about the WRX STI. Subaru dropped the STI because it is designing and testing an electric performance version now. When Subaru Corporation uncovered the all-electric Subaru STI E-RA concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2022, it announced its performance model was alive and well. It's just taking a short hiatus. 

They are testing the Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system in the 1073 horsepower hypercar to see how it handles the high horsepower and torque of the two electric motors. 

Subaru STI E-RA

The "E" stands for electric, and the "RA" stands for Record Attempt. Subaru's all-wheel-drive technology will evolve in the new carbon-neutral era by testing its 1073 horsepower eco-performance STI E-RA high-performance sports car on the Nurburgring. Check my report here.

It's an exciting future ahead that will start with eco-performance. Subaru said, "The STI E-RA concept is a "near-future" challenge project developed to gain experience and training of new technologies in the world of motorsports in this carbon-neutral era focused on combating global warming."

The New STe

Subaru already took the next step and filed for a patent in Germany's Patent and Trademark Office for an "STe" (Subaru Tecnica electric) in March 2023. It'll be for an electrified performance sub-brand for its new electric performance cars. Would Subaru do that if it were going to forget about its performance models? 

How Good Is Your EyeSight?

All you have to do is look at Subaru's massive investment in upgrading its 2024 WRX and 2024 BRZ entire lineup with a 6-speed standard gearbox to be compatible with its EyeSight driver assist safety technology. They wouldn't have done it if they weren't sticking around. 

There's still more. Subaru teased the Sport Mobility Concept at the Japan Mobility Show last year. It gave performance fans a glimpse into what Subaru Corporation is thinking about its future performance models. Subaru is ramping up, not shutting things down. Read my report here.

You Want More Proof?

Subaru of America and Vermont SportsCar (the Camden, N.J. automaker's motorsports partner) launched two all-new, fully electric FC1-X rallycross cars in 2022. The new performance cars are wild and the most potent vehicles ever to hit a track.

How Much Horsepower?

The all-electric FC1-X rallycross cars boast 1070 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. How fast are they? The announcement says the two purpose-built electric vehicles will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.4 seconds. Why would Subaru go to all that effort if they are even remotely thinking about dropping its performance cars? Read my report here.  

Is Subaru giving up on the WRX and BRZ? You tell me. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru

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