The popularity of the Subaru WRX and its larger-displacement STI sibling rival that of free vape coils and Monster energy drinks at a Millennial blogging event. Despite its growing age, owners and would-be buyers seem content with Subaru’s driver-focused all-wheel-drive sedan. There’s plenty of goodwill with this crowd.
As the previous-generation Impreza-based model awaits a new platform and body, it looks like buyers of the 2019 WRX STI stand to gain something that was available only in very limited numbers for 2018. More power.
Not a lot, mind you, but five ponies nonetheless.
A 2019 model year VIN decoder document sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration by North American Subaru shows a power increase for the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer four. The document, dated April 11th, shows the mill’s output at 310 horsepower — a 5 hp increase from previous models. (The turbo 2.0-liter boxer engine found in the WRX remains at 268 hp.)
The 2019 STI’s output is the same as the limited edition STI Type RA, a vehicle announced on April 2nd to mark the 30th anniversary of motorsports subsidiary and performance shop Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Only 500 Type RAs were allocated to the U.S. for the 2018 model year.
Besides pricey features like a carbon fiber roof, Bilstein shocks, and a modified multi-mode vehicle dynamics control system (VDS), the Type RA benefitted from a high-flow exhaust, larger intake, and retuned engine control unit (ECU) for slightly greater top-end oomph. Torque remained the same at 290 lb-ft, however.
Subaru didn’t immediately respond to our query; we’ll update this post when we hear back.
(Update: In an email to TTAC, Dominick Infante, product communications manager for Subaru of America, said it’s “too early for us to comment” on the matter.)
[Image: Subaru]
Great, and wonderful.
Just make me a darned replacement for my ’05 GT wagon. How difficult would that really be, SoA?
seconded. And keep it 3 pedals.
They’ve been pushing ~300hp out of that mill for the last decade+. How about they get something significant out of it since technology has changed dramatically in the last ten years? I’m thinking 350hp direct injected 2.5L would do the trick for the STI, and an even 300 for the WRX. Now that would be something worth taking note of.
im guessin they use the new 2.4l turbo motor that going in the ascent that makes 260hp/277tq on regular fuel. add a bigger turbo and tune it to run premium probably around 320-340hp with little work
Yea, both this and the base WRX need that new FA24. BRZ could use a tuned NA version too.
With the GTI now at 242hp/273lb ft from the same old 2.0 TSI at 28mpg vs. the STi’s 19mpg….Subaru is going to need something.
242? What am I missing? Website says 220hp…
I assume he’s talking about 2019. Rumors I’ve seen are the GTI will be ~250HP and the R will be ~350.
I’m a fan of this segment. Former 2007 MS3, 2011 STI, and 2017 FoRS owner. I keep hoping that Subaru will entice me again. Since I live in the PNW I’m practically required to own a Subaru. But it’s pretty clear they have no interest in competing on performance anymore.
Yes, what it needs is for the EPA to roll the mileage standard all the way back.
Hmm, how did they modify the engine to get those extra 5 HP? Thinner oil in the factory fill?
Amazing to think they’d be able to get away with anything thinner than a resource conserving 5w30…
On NASIOC, it seems that the price for the new longblock was about the same as the old one.. If the new one is stronger and costs the same (more or less), then less warranty issues for Subaru? Plus, “new and improved” marketing?
U can haz moar powah.
I wish they made this car for adults. I always wanted one, but don’t want that “boy racer” stink.
see the first reply. They used to.
The WRX is the one for adults, the STI is for the vape crowd. As Regular Car Reviews puts it, it’s a fast Corolla now. (And being in the older demo, I’m fine with that.)