One of the most hallowed badges is put into hibernation awaiting electrification, its maker says
By Matt Bird / Monday, March 14, 2022 / Loading comments
There are few more distinctive soundtracks in the automotive world than a Subaru flat-four turbo. Even in cars as humble as the Forester and Legacy, the configuration gave them a USP. And nowhere, of course, was the turbo boxer more special than in an Impreza STI, combining the idiosyncratic burble with manic performance. Which must have persuaded a few Evo fans to switch allegiance back in the day.
Indeed, Subaru is so aware of the significance of the STI badge – and, by extension, the engine that powers it – that a statement has been issued about the future of its performance flagship. Which is novel, given many manufacturers wait to be confronted. It confirms that the STI badge will not make it to the current WRX, launched just last year. It blames the usual suspects: “Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ).”
The announcement effectively spells the end for the combustion engined STI Subarus. Not unexpected, and of less relevance to UK customers now than it would have been 10 years ago, but still a big moment for the brand so well known for the little pink badge. And bad news, surely, for anyone keen to relive the Subaru glory days with a classic STI, because they’re already worth quite a lot.
An STI Spec C Type RA-R has always been the top of the Subaru tree, and now one can cost £70k; the S-Series lineage of limited editions lasted almost 20 years, and a good S204 is nearing £40,000. It’s not any less for the early STIs, either. Although the badge didn’t make it to UK Imprezas until the 21st century, a few very special Subarus in that time means current values are buoyant: this 2002 Bugeye is low mileage and £25k, this RB320 is £35,000, and one of the last STIs sold in the UK can command even more. So don’t say you weren’t warned!
However, all is not lost for STI fans. Though the pure combustion story might be over, Subaru does appear keen to continue the STI story into the electrified era. “The Subaru WRX STI and the STI brand represent the zenith of Subaru’s performance vehicles exemplifying Subaru’s unique DNA and rally heritage”, continued the statement. “As we look to the future, we also look forward to incorporating the essence of STI into our next generation of vehicles.”
Lest we forget, Subaru has already hinted at an exciting future with the STI E-RA concept. And sure, the so-called ‘Electric Record Attempt’ car was more about LMP-style design and 1,088hp (courtesy of four Yamaha motors) than bringing supercar-slaying performance to the masses. But at least it shows a manufacturer pondering the future. And a torque vectoring system with a hybridised flat four might yet prove a fitting STI for the 2020s…
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