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Subaru ended the use of internal combustion engines in the 2023 Subaru WRX STI. Instead, Subaru will follow the global trend toward electric models.
Subaru surprised fans last weekend by announcing the Subaru WRX 2022 will not get an STI derivative. What is particularly disappointing is the recent Japanese car manufacturer has gone down memory lane reflecting the approach and achievement of traditional WRX. It just made us more passionate about the potential features of the latest enhanced model 11. However, the accord has been stated with Subaru delivering its statement which is analyzing chances for the next-gen of 2023 Subaru WRX STI, including the electric version.
Direct Confirmation from Subaru Officials
This news itself is somewhat strange because it does not come directly from the company in Japan, but through a spokesman for Subaru in America. This might annoy potential future STI shoppers because of the statement that STI will not be getting for this generation. However, since Subaru just announced its first EV, it is for sure that electric STIs go a long way. Therefore, why Subaru does not give its fans one last STI that’s not electrified before the EV or hybrid versions are ready?
Many people will probably think the same and even be surprised by the question above. Dominick Infante, Subaru Director of Corporate Communications, answered the question intelligently. He said if they produce a new 2023 Subaru WRX STI now, its shelf life will be limited. He also added that Subaru’s regulations often change rapidly, causing STI production to become unreasonable.
The answer seemed to indicate Subaru was worried that they would have to invest in a new STI, which once they did, they did it with great care and detail. They think the production of STI is not commensurate with the profits they will get in the next few years.
Avid fans, of course, will make assurances that they will buy the last non-electric STI as soon as the car hits the market. They argue the first and last editions of the car will feel different, interesting, and better. This seems to provide a counterattack to Subaru’s justification, which is considered weak by fans. However, if we look at the existing reality, what Subaru will do could be a good move, by skipping the last non-electric STI generation to go straight to an electric or hybrid generation.
Of course, we already know, coupled with the notes above, Subaru is really serious about developing the STI model, especially for the first electric or hybrid model for the STI. By doing this, it can serve the company better. Infante ensures the STI model will still exist and continue to do great with the electric concept.
The concept for Electric Technology
If it’s true that Subaru won’t be releasing a generation without electricity for the 2023 Subaru WRX STI, you can only buy the last STI with a turbocharged engine in the 2021 model year. 2021 WRX STI will be the last STI model car with an internal combustion engine.
Perhaps, the omission of a non-electric concept for the latest STI model was seen at the Tokyo Motor Salon exhibition. Subaru showcases the STI E-RA electric sports car concept with 1073 HP. They said this concept is a future challenge to compete in modern technology with a carbon-free era to combat global warming.
With this information, we know the arrival of the 2023 Subaru WRX STI electric model is expected to be faster than we had expected. Subaru wants to meet global market demands that keep up with the times plus government regulations that are gradually getting stricter on zero emissions and the greenhouse effect. Therefore, it is emphasized once again that the next model WRX STI will not use an internal combustion engine, but an electric or hybrid.
The release date is Still Unclear
Subaru has not been able to confirm and state when the new electric STI model will be introduced globally. However, one thing for sure is Subaru Tecnica International team will conduct field trials at the Nurburgring, Germany in 2023. Several circuits in Japan will also be the venue for testing Subaru electric car driving experience, starting in 2022.
As previously mentioned above, Subaru will use the high-performance sports car concept, the horse-powered STI E-RA 1073, to develop the technology for the new 2023 Subaru WRX STI electric sedan model. It is also estimated that Subaru will use the AWD system in this model. Subaru added the STI electric technology will also be applied to other generations of cars, such as the Ascent, Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and many more.