Subaru Scraps Upcoming WRX STI

By Dan Ilika

Mar 11, 2022

Summary

Automaker says an electrified version could be in the pipeline eventually

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Subaru has cancelled plans for the forthcoming WRX STI, citing the shift to electrification and the need to meet industry emissions and fuel economy regulations as reasons behind the decision.

In a late Friday announcement, the automaker's brief statement mentioned the possibility that a future range-topping performance model could be electrified, but that "a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform."

Of course, this is a blow to the brand's fans who have been waiting years for a next-gen version of their beloved rally-inspired sport compact. The previous version was introduced back in 2014, with the likes of the since-discontinued Ford Focus RS, as well as the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R surpassing it from a performance perspective.

Plans for a gas-powered version were well in the works by this point, with the launch set for sometime after the arrival of the lesser WRX that arrived for 2022.

Meet the Author

Dan has been working in the automotive industry for the better part of the last decade, splitting his time between automotive media and public relations. Dan graduated from Toronto’s Humber College with an advanced diploma in journalism – print and broadcast. His work as a journalist spans from newspaper to television and the web, reviewing cars in writing and in front of the camera. In his role as Road Test Editor, Dan provides expert insight and analysis of the Canadian new car market.