Performance fans don't care about 2015 WRX STI luxury refinements

Subaru says they want to appeal to a wider audience with the new 2015 WRX STI, but will this be a big mistake? The all-new Subaru WRX STI is coming with a new longer body and many new features that should make it even better than the previous generation model. But can Subaru keep their loyal STI fans happy and appeal to a wider audience at the same time? That’s what Subaru wants to do but are they making a mistake by trying?

Subaru has announced they will unveil the new high-performance STI at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan January 14. The car is highly anticipated by STI fans around the globe and it’s getting close. The performance car has been a big hit especially here in the U.S. and has created a following of loyal fans who can’t wait to see the changes.

Subaru is doing a lot right across their lineup, and over 60 percent of sales in 2013 were to new buyers who have never purchased a Subaru vehicle before. Subaru is appealing to a wider audience across their lineup but especially with the new 2014 Forester and XV Crosstrek. Sales of the current generation 2014 WRX STI had an increase of 31.9 percent in 2013 over the previous year. Subaru sold 13,624 WRX/STI’s in 2012, and saw the number jump to 17,969 in 2013. Are they going to mess with success now?

Subaru has grown sales of the WRX STI and they have kept their performance fans happy. Should they mess with the success they’ve had by making the WRX STI more friendly to a different type of buyer? Current fans have said they really don’t care if the STI comes with more high-tech upgrades like the new Touch Screen with the Navigation package.

WRX STI fans are more concerned with upgrades and refinements to the suspension and engine. This is where true performance fan lives and they will make performance tuning modifications to the engine and suspension anyway. They aren’t that concerned with cabin comforts like leather-trimmed upholstery, LED low-beam headlights with automatic height adjustment and welcome lighting in the interior.

What we do know, the all new 2015 Subaru WRX STI will be coming with more luxury than ever before as Subaru wants to draw a new type of customer to the performance STI. If the new WRX STI is like the 2015 WRX, fans should see markedly improved performance in the new-generation model. But will it be enough to keep current fans happy?

The new STI will be coming with a longer and wider body and will have more interior room. This will be a good thing as it will have more room for taller drivers and also will improve stability and handling in the corners. Navigation, 8-way power seats and welcome lighting will add extra weight and can be ordered by those new customers who aren’t looking for pure performance. But those who don’t want more luxury and refinements don’t have to order the optional equipment.

We know the new 2015 Subaru WRX STI will be more refined than ever before. Hopefully the new WRX STI will not just be more refined, but will have the upgrades to the engine and suspension to keep loyal performance fans happy. We’ll see if Subaru can pull it off and appeal to both true performance enthusiasts and a wider audience.