Subaru released the all-new Impreza a few months ago. Unlike its predecessor, the car now uses a new modular architecture that allows it to be lighter and more structurally rigid than before. Unfortunately, the WRX STI did not receive the same treatment. In fact, the current model is based on the older architecture. This means it can’t really match its newer rivals when it comes to performance or driving characteristics. Most of us hoped that things will change but it looks like this may not be the case. In fact Subaru announced a while ago that the WRX STI has a completely different development cycle than the regular Impreza. This basically confirms that the new car may only be released with the future 2019 Subaru WRX STI.
Even though the details are still scarce and no test prototypes have been spied, chances are the car will be a vastly improved vehicle over the older model. For starters, the new WRX STI will definitely use Subaru’s all new modular architecture. This means that over its predecessor, the new model will shed quite a bit of weight. Its center of gravity as well as the weight will go down.
Source: www.autoblog.com
The end result should be a faster car that will handle better than ever before. The new architecture will also allow Subaru to install new suspension components. Most rumors seem to suggest new Bilstein shocks coupled with Eibach springs, front and back. The brakes are likely going to be provided by Brembo for the best possible experience.
2019 Subaru WRX STI Release date and Price
The latest edition of WRX STI will probably hit the market in late 2018, but early 2019 release is also a possibility. The Subaru’s exact plans for this vehicle are still unknown, so if they postpone the release further from what we just told you, it’s not on us.
The price is also hard to determine thanks to the little-known factors. The ongoing version which was released last year starts at $36,955. This is, of course, the base version. Further up the line is STI Limited which costs $41,755. If you opt for this iteration, you will be rewarded with Recaro seats, leather interior, sunroof, a 7.0-inch touchscreen as a part of the infotainment system, keyless entry, navigation, and cross-traffic alert.
Source: www.autoblog.com
The design of new WRX STI
Like with most of its predecessors, the 201999 Subaru WRX STI is not going to be a bland looking car. However, just like with its predecessor, the car will still be based on the normal Impreza. This means the car’s body will be identical to the regular model. However, things like flared wheel arches, a more aggressive front bumper, considerably larger intakes and even a different set of headlights should be in store.
Some also suggested the car will receive a large diffuser, a much larger fixed wing than that of its predecessor as well as a quad-exhaust system. Even though none of these has been confirmed, considering the past it is safe to assume at least some of them will be part of the future car. For now the future model seems great but we do hope Subaru is not going to mess things up with a toned-down STI.
The interior
There is no doubt about the fact the cabin of the 2019 Subaru WRX STI will be very similar to that of the current Impreza. The two cars should share the same dashboard but there will be slight differences between them. The instrument cluster will be unique to the STI while things like the gear-knob or the steering wheel will be specifically designed for the higher performance model. Some also suggested the car might receive a new digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system but so far nothing has been confirmed.
2018 Subaru WRX STI Interior – Source: www.caranddriver.com
Under the hood – 2019 WRX STI Specs
One of the biggest unknown factors about the 2019 Subaru WRX STI is the engine that it will use. There are quite a few rumors about this but it looks like things will be quite simple. Instead of the old EJ25 motor, the car is more than likely going to use one of Subaru’s new generation FA or FB engines. Chances are the WRX STI will ditch the old 2.5 liter engine in favor of a smaller 2.0 liter flat-four. This would be a similar FA unit to that in the regular WRX. However, it will likely come with reworked cylinder heads, different internal components, a new turbocharger and even a different engine management system.
The end result should get close to 310 horsepower and over 300 lb-ft of torque. While this is not much more than what its predecessor has to offer, the new engine will offer most of its torque from as low as 1,800 RPM. This is considerably better than before so the car will not be faster but it will also feel considerably more capable at lower RPMs. The 6-speed transmission is likely going to stay, at least on the base model. Some rumors also seem to suggest an automatic but this is still an unlikely thing to happen with the new WRX STI.
