Hi Charles, actually the 2019
Hi Charles, actually the 2019 STI has stronger piston so that issue seems to be solved. That was really the only weak point of the STI aside from the Spohn bearings but that is a less common problem. Funny thing about it is I have also been saying the same thing as you for years now and they finally did it for the 2019 year model. Ironically this may be the last year the EJ 257 is used anyway so I guess they waited to the very last year for better pistons? Having said that the research I’ve done indicates the ring and failure is not that common with the newest generation of STI, 2015+. You’re absolutely correct the market is very hungry for reliable power. Subaru has put people in Acworth position because the things that make the car more reliable, AOS, stronger pistons, and professional tune also potentially void the warranty. If the next generation of STI is not at least 350 hp to match the focus RS they shouldn’t even bother bringing it to market because I don’t sales will be very good.