Following last week’s early preview here’s the official info on the all-new Subaru WRX STi. We now know it will be powered by a 2.5 litre boxer engine with peak power of 227kW at 6000rpm, while the maximum torque of 392Nm is achieved at 4000rpm.
There’s no performance figures given as yet—not even 0–100km/h times—but we do thank Subaru for releasing this car with a 6-speed manual and making no mention at all of a self-shifting transmission.
So actually, aside from the 20-odd photos we don’t have a lot of detailed information from Subaru just yet. What info we do have can be found after the break, including the US release explaining the 1000 Launch Edition models which will be sold in the States. Detailed Australian info will be coming in the later months, apparently.
We’ve been disappointed by the look of the WRX and while the STi and its more purposeful look does alleviate some of our concerns we’re still none the wiser as to why Subaru made such a gorgeous looking concept model and then screwed up the plans and threw them in the bin.
New WRX STI Gets Motown Mojo Running
January 15 2014 – One of the most anticipated performance cars of 2014, the new generation WRX STI, was unveiled overnight at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, U.S.A.
The U.S. specification WRX STI model shown in Detroit features a turbocharged 2.5-litre Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, specially tuned suspension for enhanced rigidity, multi-mode Driver’s Control Centre Differential – and more.
During development, Subaru honed the drivability of the new WRX STI to perfection, testing it under demanding conditions in several countries.
As with past generations of WRX STI, testing included ultra-high speed road drives on Germany’s Nürburgring circuit, known for its harsh conditions.
Subaru has raised the performance bar for body, chassis and overall engineering – fusing these areas to produce an outstanding All-Wheel Drive package.
Pricing and specification of Australian WRX STI variants will be announced in the coming months.
Chassis and Body
New WRX STI’s exclusively sedan body is lighter and more rigid, integrating extensive chassis reinforcements.
Both body and suspension are stiffened, while optimized suspension geometry has quickened steering response and raised the performance limit for cornering.
Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring are added, for even more predictable and enjoyable driving.
Many hours of in-depth suspension tuning have produced a flat, sport, yet comfortable ride.
Steering is more precise, with a quickened steering gear ratio and more rigid steering system.
Engine
New WRX STI has a 2.5-litre turbocharged Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine.
The U.S. specification engine produces an impressive 227 Kilowatts of power at 6000 rpm and 392 Newtonmetres of torque at 4000 rpm.
Transmission
WRX STI employs a reinforced six-speed manual transmission. Coupled with short throw shifting, the combination produces a thrilling drive.
The revised transmission has better tactile feedback, for a sportier shift feel.
It includes the multi-mode DCCD system, allowing the driver to freely select centre differential control characteristics, depending upon road conditions and driver preferences.
Safety
WRX STI safety is enhanced in all areas.
While the body is lightened, rigidity is improved and chassis performance enhanced along with Vehicle Dynamics Control.
According to Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru vehicles, WRX STI offers the best hazard avoidance performance in its class, making driving excitement a safe endeavour in most scenarios.
Underlining passive safety credentials, WRX STI employs more high tensile steel plating, with strengthened joints of key structures. While reducing weight, these changes also produce a stronger body with world-class safety performance in front, rear, or side collisions.
In addition to extensive use of collision-absorbing structure in the bonnet and bulkhead, similar materials are added in the side of the engine compartment, for increased pedestrian protection.
Packaging
WRX STI wheelbase is increased 25 mm, aiding rear leg room. This produces more elbow and shoulder room, without changing total body width.
The bottom of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm toward the front, while wing mirrors are mounted on the front door panels and a new quarter window added. The dashboard and front door window sills are also lower, for significant improvements in visibility – and sleek styling.
Front and rear door openings are enlarged, making entry and exit much easier.
Boot space is expanded and made easier to use, thanks to fold-down rear seats with a large opening and 60:40 split.
Design—Exterior
WRX STI boasts aggressive yet refined styling.
It features a nose cone design with a dynamic, solid shape, housing Subaru’s classic hexagonal grille.
The new hawk eye headlights pair with the aggressive wide and low stance for which WRX STI is renowned.
The base of the A-pillar is extended 200 mm forward, while the C-pillar smoothly transitions into the boot surface, for a flowing silhouette. Front wing ducts and sharp side sill spoilers show off WRX STI’s sporty nature.
The rear design includes a diffuser-integrated bumper and twin dual exhausts, emphasizing the low centre of gravity and driving performance.
Rear combination lights are given a thin shape, highlighting vehicle width.
A large rear spoiler also enhances aerodynamic performance.
A shark fin radio antenna matches the body and adds more styling refinement.
New alloy wheels are designed to be more rigid and lighter.
LED low-beam headlights, rear and brake lights, plus high-mounted brake light, improve fuel efficiency by saving power.
STI badging features on the front grille and wings.
New colours are WR Blue Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.
Design—Interior
New WRX STI’s cockpit includes carbon-type trim panels and metal-type accents.
The interior has a quality feel and red accents on seats, gear shift lever and centre instrument panel are exclusive to WRX STI.
The solid black trim comprises quality materials that are soft to the touch.
For the first time, WRX STI gets a sporty D-shaped steering wheel. The grip shape is easy to hold, with a small diameter for improved response and tactile feedback, making for a more appealing drive.
The seats are designed for superior support – and the headrests are embossed with an STI logo.
The gauges use a dual dial layout, 3.5-inch full colour liquid crystal display and aluminium rings, for improved functionality – and a quality feel. Red lighting adds to the performance aura, contrasted with the white needles.
And as another performance symbol, the multi-function display includes a boost pressure display screen.
Major Specifications (U.S. Only)
- Body size (Overall length / width / height): 4595 x 1795 x 1475 mm
- Wheelbase: 2650 mm
- Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine
- Displacement: 2457 cc
- Maximum output: 227 Kilowatts/ 6000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 392 Newtonmetres/ 4000 rpm
- Transmission: six-speed manual
- Tyre size: 245/40 R18
- Seating capacity: Five
2015 WRX® STI® Launch Edition commemorates the brand’s competition heritage
- 1,000 to be offered, all painted WR Blue Pearl
- Special cabin trim with blue highlights
- Built on standard, lightest STI model
- Gold-painted BBS® forged alloy wheels
- STI Short-Throw Shifter
- Keyless Access & Start
DETROIT – Subaru of America, Inc. will usher in the new-generation 2015 WRX STI by offering the STI Launch Edition, designed to appeal especially to loyalists who have made the STI a high-performance icon. Exclusive features amplify the special nature of the STI within the performance-car community. Subaru will offer 1,000 of these models in North America.
All 1,000 of the WRX STI Launch Edition models will be painted WR Blue Pearl and come equipped with gold-painted 18-inch BBS® alloy wheels, an iconic color combination long associated with Subaru competition cars. As on all 2015 WRX STI models, the wheels carry 245/40R18 summer performance tires.
Built on the standard and lightest WRX STI model, the STI Launch Edition is exclusively equipped with special interior colors and trim and gets a standard STI Short-Throw Shifter for the 6-speed manual transmission. The Keyless Access & Start system, which is offered as an option on WRX STI Premium and Limited models, is included as standard with the STI Launch Edition.
Powered by a 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins the model’s arsenal of proven advanced dynamic handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), SI-DRIVE powertrain control system and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.
Exclusive STI Cabin Design
The Subaru competition heritage carries into the roomier cabin of the 2015 WRX STI model, which features a new flat-bottom steering wheel and whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints. The STI Launch Edition is distinguished by an exclusive cabin design treatment.
The leather bolsters for the Alcantara-covered seats are blue and black with black stitching rather than the red and black with red stitching in other STI models. The door trim panels are blue leather with black stitching, and the Alcantara-covered center console storage box lid features black stitching. Blue trim accents the carpeted floor mats that carry the STI logo.
Best-Equipped WRX STI Ever
The 2015 WRX STI is the best-equipped version of this high-performance model ever. Standard features include LED low-beam headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer) and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with switches for audio and Bluetooth® control.
The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.
A new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth® and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.
Subaru Safety
Subaru’s renowned safety package uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in the new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the cabin, a driver’s knee airbag is added to the roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.
Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.