The new Subaru WRX landed a few years back, raising eyebrows with its funky styling and loss of the vaunted STI variant. But, while we likely won’t see a true-to-the-original STI in the States anytime soon, Subaru recently introduced a concept car that it’s calling a “true” STI car at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
Subaru reworked the S210 concept’s powertrain, improving its output by 25 horsepower and 19 pound-feet of torque over the current North American WRX, bringing the grand total to 296 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers represent a reasonable boost over the stock output, but they are not as strong as models from the previous generation, such as the s209, which debuted in 2019 with 341 horsepower.
Unfortunately, Subaru opted for its “Subaru Performance Transmission,” which is a fancy way of saying CVT. The WRX we receive in the States is available with a six-speed manual, and the CVT isn’t the worst in the world. However, the row-your-own option is undoubtedly the best option for a hotted-up Subaru.
Other upgrades include a performance exhaust system, upgraded intakes, and a revised computer that improves power delivery. The car rides on 19-inch BBS wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and Brembo brakes, and Subaru fitted unique bodywork for the concept.
Subaru said it will only build 500 units of the car, with the books opening this spring. We don’t know pricing or release date details yet, so it’s not yet possible to gauge where and when the car will go on sale.
[Images: Subaru]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
