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Why is the new-generation 2015 Subaru WRX STI the only sports sedan that only offers a manual gearbox and not an automatic transmission option? The WRX STI has never been offered with an automatic transmission option, but why is that? Most other performance cars come with both manual and automatic (usually dual-clutch) transmissions. But why not the WRX STI?
Subaru has always offered an automatic transmission on the WRX, but not the higher-performance STI. The new WRX gets a new automatic transmission option called the “Sport” Lineartronic CVT. It comes with a manual mode and paddle shifters. Is this just for window dressing or will it really work in the performance model? Subaru says it gets better fuel efficiency (of course), but also benefits from a choice of stepped automatic shifting with eight pre-selected ratios. Why not in the STI.
All the class-competitors have automatic transmission options including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Volkswagen Golf R and higher-priced German rivals like the Audi S3 Sportback, BMW M135i and Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG. All come with all-wheel-drive and offer both manual and automatic transmissions in their performance cars.
Subaru has said they have designed the WRX STI for one specific market segment. In an interview recently with Motoring.com.au, Subaru’s WRX project general manager, Masuo Takatsu said the brand’s performance fans “simply aren’t interested” in an automatic in the higher output STI.
Takatsu said in the interview about the new 2015 STI, “At this point, we don’t have any plans to release an automatic version as STI customers tend to be more people that are into motorsports, and for those customer bases, we believe a 6MT (six-speed manual transmission) is the best choice.”
The milder WRX has a completely different demographic who Subaru is marketing the car to. WRX will appeal to sports enthusiasts who would never take the car to the track or rally racing on the weekends. Takatsu said, “We’ve put a lot of effort into developing our sport CVT, and feel that it delivers the kind of response and feel that you would expect of a car like the WRX.”
It’s the same reason Subaru decided to keep the higher-output 2.5-liter boxer engine in the STI. STI customers want more torque, more power and more turbo feel, and the six-speed standard gearbox lets motorsports enthusiasts bring that out better on the track. The new 2015 WRX STI chassis with the six-speed gearbox lets them exploit all the power of the 2.5-liter powerplant.
Very few STI buyers would opt for the automatic transmission, and Subaru knows this. Subaru isn't going to spend the kind of money it would take to develop that level of technology, and go with a more sophisticated dual-clutch automatic gearbox, when so few buyers would choose it. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest rally-bred 2015 Subaru WRX STI news.
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Comments
It may be that the AT in your
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In reply to I will not deny the fact that by Mike (not verified)
It may be that the AT in your girlfriend's Mini is just smarter than you. Whoever programmed it understood that there is an (engine specific) sweet spot for RPM even when you are coasting or push the pedal very little. This "knowledge" is what was overriding your decision under those special circumstances (6th gear at 30 mph coasting)... probably you just dropped the engine RPM under that most efficient sweet spot... or maybe you just pushed the pedal ever so little so the transmission expected that something is going to happen... just my 2 cents.
Obviously some people dont
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Obviously some people dont understand that not ever situation is like theres, i drive stick everyday! But im married and the wife would kill me if i got another stick, we might need to switch cars some times or if you have kids shifting is not a option, trust me i love driving stick, but i need a awd that my wife could drive yet I could still have fun in!!
((Subaru has always offered
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((Subaru has always offered an automatic transmission on the WRX, but not the higher-performance STI.))
NOT TRUE! I have an A-Line WRX STI 2013 Hatchback with Automatic transmission.
My view isn't that automatic
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My view isn't that automatic drivers are lazy...but why would you even want the STI in an automatic? Get the normal WRX and live your happy life. IMO Sti's are for racing or enjoying the car which to me requires a manual transmission.
You say that all class
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You say that all class competitors have an automatic option. What about the Civic Si?
OK, so all WRC drivers and F
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OK, so all WRC drivers and F-1 drivers are wusses because they drive dual clutch transmissions? I have a Boxster with a very sweet 6-speed, can double-clutch easily at speed on the track and upshifts are flawless. My 2005 STi frequently balks at quick upshifts and only with very precise rev-matching can downshift into first around the neighborhood. STi could easily benefit from a DCT, the Porsche not so much and the PDK is one of the best. I'd get a new STi if it had a DCT.
Not everyone enjoys shifting.
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Not everyone enjoys shifting. Every vehicle should have an option for an auto and a manual. Almost every sports car has an option for both transmissions and the STI doesn't. They pay the money for the speed, and the CVT is quicker.
Let me begin by saying
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Let me begin by saying manuals are fun most of the time and easier to drive then many may think. I've had both manual and automatic and while I enjoyed them both at the times, these days I would prefer an automatic. It has nothing to do with laziness. I can be busy all day and still bust a three hour workout of cardio and weights at the gym and be ready for whatever all night. I drive because it's fun, relaxes me, and convenience. I don't want to be constantly figeting with stuff on the road all of the time. I get my fair share of excitment out of life. It's the same reason I'd rather go to a nice restaurant whenever I want then have to risk there not being fresh game to track, kill, butcher, clean, and carve up everytime I need food. Every now and again is fine, but I'm not into being locked into tedious tasks. Especially in heavy big city traffic when you gotta drive aggressively. Is it fun? Like I said, most of the time. But it's not the most efficient. What happens if you break an arm or leg? Try shifting or popping the clutch with a cast on. I'm writing this in hopes that the engineers will take all of this in consideration. I was planning on buying an STI with all of the upgrades I wanted but I'm over the manuals. If you've ever driven cross country and in a bunch of new cities you might appreciate the comfort of an automatic. Thanks.
The STI is one of those cars
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The STI is one of those cars that are better with a manual transmission
Don't get me wrong automatics have gotten so much better in the past few years especially with dual clutch automatics
However, the STI is not the type of car to get an automatic
A dual clutch automatic is suitable but Subaru only makes CVTs as their automatic
CVTs are not bad but it doesn't suit a performance car well like a dual clutch or manual transmission
And the STI is a driver-oriented car which means a manual transmission is a best and only choice
There are still many racing drivers that still use a manual transmission and bring out the best track times better than other drivers who use auto
An option of an automatic is not a bad idea but understand why Subaru made the STI manual-only especially talking about enthusiasts
Also please stop bashing automatics in the comments section
Yes people have gotten lazier nowadays but there are multiple reasons why an individual would choose an automatic like a dual clutch
It would be in terms of speed and convenience especially in bumper to bumper traffic most of the time and we should respect that
Also, there are people who are disabled and not able to drive a manual so have some sympathy
But I do know some disabled people who learnt and still drive a manual to this day
I am a manual guy my self but I do enjoy the ZF and DSG
I would say the automatic is best for drag while the manual is best for track
We should respect each other and that's what real car guys do
And to appreciate something pure like the STI