Why Subaru's STI Will Never Be The Same
Subaru may be preparing to bring performance back to its lineup, but not in the way longtime fans might hope for or expect.
Key Points
- Subaru is exploring an all-electric future for its STI performance badge, with potential branding under the name “STe” as traditional boxer engines face regulatory challenges in Europe.
- The brand’s European manager says the spirit of STI remains alive, but any future performance halo model will prioritize electrification over legacy powertrains.
- Before committing to a new performance model, Subaru is focusing on stabilizing its SUV sales amid market uncertainty and new U.S. import tariffs.
Speaking to Auto Express at the New York Auto Show, David Dello Stritto, Subaru’s European market manager, acknowledged the brand’s legacy of performance and the demand for it among loyalists. "Ask the average person what Subaru means, and they’ll say Impreza or STI. You can’t disassociate this from Subaru, so we need to bring sportiness back," he said.
Although I'm not so sure that's true anymore—at least in North America. Granola-packing knowledge workers with dogs or children are the new core market for Subaru—many of whom only know STIs as an unwanted side effect of late-night escapades.
According to Stritto, Europe’s mandated gasoline particulate filters severely restrict engine performance, making traditional powertrains difficult to homologate. Instead, Subaru is looking ahead to fully electric performance vehicles, meaning any future halo model from Subaru is unlikely to feature the brand’s signature turbocharged boxer engine.
After discontinuing the WRX STI in 2022 due to tightening emissions regulations, the brand has reintroduced an STI-badged WRX exclusively in Japan— equipped with a CVT.
However, a proper revival of the STI nameplate is beginning to sound unlikely.
The company has already hinted at this direction before, debuting the STI E-RA concept and a Solterra STI study at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon.
"It’s not decided yet" whether the STI badge will continue in name, but Stritto stressed that the spirit of STI remains intact: "If you change the last letter, I don’t think that would make a huge difference."
He's probably right, too.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
More by Michael Accardi
Comments
Join the conversation
This is about one of the dumbest things I've ever read.
Europe is dying rapidly...time to start ignoring these regs and sell to the rest of the world.