2023 Subaru WRX STI is a sporty compact sedan with a turbocharged flat-four engine and all-wheel drive. WRX has a storied history in rally car racing and a loyal fan base eager to tune their vehicles.
For 2022, the WRX received a much-needed redesign and featured a new engine, transmission, and bold exterior styling. The current-generation Subaru WRX gets its power from a horizontally opposed 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (called a boxer) that makes 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Our editors praised the WRX for its agile handling, vibrant acceleration, and easy-to-use clutch pedal. At the time of writing, we haven’t tested the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), so we can’t talk about its performance.
We don’t expect much to change the 2023 WRX as it’s only been a year removed from a full redesign. The only major item to watch out for is the debut of the higher-performance WRX STI variant, which is likely to appear in late 2022 or early 2023.
The WRX costs several thousand more than its competitors, including the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, and Kia Forte GT. But the WRX has an edge in the form of all-wheel drive, which only a few competitors can match.
Only the Mazda 3 Turbo comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering the same power and a comparable price. Though in the case of the Mazda 3, you’re paying for a nicer interior and overall refinement than the more performance-oriented car on the WRX.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Review
Remember the Subaru WRX STI 22B? It is perhaps one of Subaru’s most iconic and most desirable vehicles. Can you imagine if the company made a new one? Imagine nothing more when a digital artist just came up with an inspiring rendering of what the new 22B will look like.
The all-new WRX is not an attractive sports car on the design front. Looks like the edgy sedan hit the Subaru Outback. It has become a bit of an SUV, in other words; with a black plastic wheel arch guard molding and a confusing rear. Anyway, all in our opinion.
But here we see, thanks to Rain Prisk’s imagination, there are some fine details hidden within the new shape. The designer has digitally expanded the front door and removed the rear door altogether, creating a coupe layout.
You may notice that the contours of the panels have also been smoothed, reducing the edginess and being slimmer. The hamstrings blend in perfectly with the doorway line, for example, rather than the dashed line.
The artist, thankfully, has removed that black wheel arch molding as well, while the black bottom skirting remains. Upfront, the WRX’s new aggressive look, with its pointed and focused face. A modern interpretation of the iconic rear wing gets it done.
Subaru hasn’t officially announced plans to launch the new 22B any time soon. The original 22B was introduced to celebrate the Subaru manufacturer’s third title at the FIA World Rally Championship, but also to commemorate the company’s anniversary.
Given that the WRX nameplate was first unveiled in 1992, Subaru may be planning a special 30th-anniversary model. Similarly, STI will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024. Will it be the new 22B? Maybe not, but it’s good to dream. The all-new WRX will launch in Australia in the coming months.
As for the new WRX STI? It is set to debut sometime during the third quarter. The previous production timeline shows evidence of production slated to begin during the northern fall of this year, however, the pandemic may have caused some delays.
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2023 Subaru WRX STI Redesign
The sporty Subaru WRX arrives as a completely redesigned model in 2022. The full redesign sees the sedan getting an updated design, a more powerful turbocharged engine, a new platform, and a new interior design.
Having arrived as a completely redesigned model for 2022, we expect the Subaru WRX 2023 to be a carryover model, although a new WRX STI model is expected to arrive for that model year.
As a default model, the 2023 WRX will have the same overall design as the current model on sale. The WRX sports an aggressive design that starts with a sharp front end. The sedan has angular headlights and a chiseled front bumper.
The quad exhaust outlets, triangular taillights, and a prominent rear bumper are located at the rear. The WRX’s wide fenders, body cladding, and large hood scoop are the hallmarks of the sedan’s history in rallying. The upcoming WRX STI should feature a more aggressive body kit, lightweight wheels, a large rear spoiler, and red badges.
The interior of the WRX received an impressive makeover for 2022. The sedan shares a design family with other Subaru vehicles, featuring a dashboard designed around a vertically oriented touchscreen and a minimalist look with few buttons.
With red accents, faux carbon-fiber trim, and a flat steering wheel, the WRX has some sporty touches on the inside. As a carryover model, the WRX 2023 should have the same interior design as the 2022 model.
We expect the new WRX STI to have reinforced seats, brighter accents, sportier gauges, and unique touches that highlight its high-performance character.
Subaru has yet to confirm all of the 2022 WRX’s technological features. The most impressive part of the kit is the available 11.6-inch touchscreen which is vertically oriented.
Features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, navigation, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are available. All the technological features of the 2022 WRX will remain the same for the 2023 model year.
Under the hood, the current WRX has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine has 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available.
Each WRX is equipped with standard all-wheel drive. This powertrain should be carried unchanged for 2023. The WRX STI is expected to come with the same engine but tuned to produce 300 hp. Performance vehicles should only be available with manual transmissions and have more advanced AWD systems.
The available Subaru WRX 2022 model with CVT comes with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology range as standard.
The safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane centering, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane guard assistance, automatic emergency steering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic warning.
The WRX sedan with a standard manual transmission lost many of these features. We don’t expect to see any changes for the 2023 model year.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Concept
The WRX STI 2023 was previewed by Subaru’s WRX S4 STI Performance Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon today, but the study’s visual similarities to the production car are hard to ignore.
The WRX S4 STI Performance Concept joins the Levorg STI Performance Concept, the BRZ GT300 race car, BRZ equipped with STI parts, and the electric STI E-RA race car at the Subaru Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 stand.
As typical fare for an STI show-car takes the WRX, the S4 Performance Concept adopts big STI parts like a carbon fiber rear wing and a wider stance on the outside.
Perhaps most importantly, Subaru Tecnica International’s signature ‘Cherry Red’ highlights are featured on the concept car’s chin spoiler, mirror caps, and STI grille badge.
Some may be disappointed to see the WRX wheel cladding make its way into this STI preview, although in the gray paint image the paste effect has softened a bit.
It’s likely that the yet-to-be-revealed WRX STI will take this body mod further with fatter wheels and arches that bridge the gap between this car and the 2017 Viziv Performance STI concept.
The lower-end WRX with its massive rear wing and aggressive body kit should excite any car enthusiast, although the concept car doesn’t hint at any hardware changes to the upcoming STI apart from a louder exhaust, which Subaru describes as improving the “feel” of the car. supreme unity”.
In terms of performance modifications, Subaru Japan did not say whether the upcoming STI will produce more than 202kW WRX and 350Nm of torque, nor will it use the same 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine.
To get the most out of the EJ25-powered WRX STI Final Edition, the new generation STI will need to pack in more than 221kW and 407Nm.
Following STI tradition, we expected the five triple-spoke wheels described as being larger than the standard 19-inch WRX wheels and wrapped in stickier, track-focused rubber.
The WRX STI will also get trick differences – with a switchable and electronically controlled center diff that can be tweaked to suit different conditions – and limited-slip hardware on both axles to maximize traction in challenging conditions.
Much like the WRX, it’s based on, it’s likely the new STI will offer a six-speed manual transmission – potentially the only option, although the concept appears to have an automatic one – making it a rarity among all-paw performance competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45, but a direct rival to the upcoming manual Toyota GR Corolla.
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2023 Subaru WRX STI Concept
Subaru today announced its plans to bring a total of five vehicles, including four STI-branded concepts, to the Tokyo Auto Salon next year. Among them is the very production-looking WRX S4 STI concept and an all-electric concept called the STI E-RA.
The company says the car above is based on the WRX S4 STI Sport R and uses the same fascia and body covers found on the recently launched WRX, which we just drove for the first time. Subaru has “tailored” it with several STI-branded performance parts, including a cherry red splitter, side skirts, and performance exhaust.
Despite being labeled as a concept, the car looks production-ready, with a wing at the rear and an STI badge on the nose. This is the closest we’ll see to what the new WRX STI will look like before it launches in any official capacity.
The next concept is the STI E-RA. Shown in the teaser image above, Subaru says the goal is to gain “experience and practice in new technologies in the world of motorsport heading into a carbon-neutral era.” It’s unclear what the car will look like, or whether it will be production-based.
Two other STI-branded concepts are the Levorg STI and the Subaru BRZ STI. We’ve seen STI-branded concepts of both cars in the past, so don’t get too excited to see the production variant just yet.
The Levorg gets all of the same upgrades as the WRX above, while the BRZ gets a series of STI performance improvements, though Subaru doesn’t say what, if anything, it’s done under the hood. The fifth car, and the only race car in the group, is the BRZ GT300 from the 2021 SuperGT season, which took the overall win in its class.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Interior
The interior will largely carry over from the WRX, inheriting the new 11.6-inch Starlink-style infotainment interface. The Subaru EyeSight assistance suite may also be featured as Subaru increases its focus on safety.
The Recaro bucket seats will be reinforced more aggressively, and the D-shaped steering wheel will be the focus of the driver, with the STI badge, thumb grips, and mandatory red contrast stitching.
As for when it will arrive, we only expect it to debut in late 2022 and arrive in the United States as the model year 2023. The new WRX only arrived in dealerships in early 2022, which means we’ll have plenty of time to get to know it before the STI is revealed.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Specs
The Subaru WRX STI 2023 will debut with a turbocharged version of the engine used in the Subaru BRZ, and it could be the last model to come from the brand without electrification when it debuts next year.
Subaru will unveil the high-performance WRX STI in mid-2022, according to Japanese website Goo-net, powered by a 2.4-liter ‘FA24’ turbo four-cylinder engine that produces around 260kW.
The FA24 is the same engine found in the upcoming Subaru BRZ coupe – and its twin, the Toyota GR 86 – albeit in a non-turbo form. Nonetheless, Subaru has insisted that the new BRZ will not be offered with a turbo since the model was shown in late 2020.
Subaru does match the ‘low output’ turbocharged version of the FA24 engine in the Outback sold overseas, as well as several other models not offered in Australia.
While the company has been slow to introduce electrification across its lineup, the report suggests the WRX STI will be the last vehicle to come from the automaker without hybrid technology – although an IMS with some sort of hybrid assistance is expected at a later date.
Rumors from the US suggest Subaru will unveil a new-generation WRX at the Los Angeles motor show in November 2021. The current WRX was first shown at the LA show in 2015.
Information from Japan suggests the WRX STI will debut in mid-2022, with deliveries set to begin in 2023. It’s unclear whether this schedule was planned by Subaru, or whether the decision was made to delay the model due to a global shortage of computer chips. affect automakers.
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2023 Subaru WRX STI Report
Subaru of America hasn’t released any information about the next-generation Subaru WRX STI 2023, but rumors about how much horsepower the new performance sedan will have are still to come. A new report from Forbes says the new STI will outperform the Mercedes-AMG 45 S and come with 420 horsepower.
A recent Forbes report said “sources close to Subaru” told them (contributor Peter Lyon) that the modified Subaru WRX STI 2023 “will increase the STI’s power to a hovering figure of around 420 horsepower with a maximum torque clearance of 362 lb-ft. ”
The only accurate part of the report is that the next-generation WRX STI will come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter Boxer engine. He said the 2.4-liter would get “bigger turbines and intercoolers, strengthen engine internals with bespoke pistons and (connecting rods), remap the ECU and customize a custom exhaust system.”
This is why the reports are not accurate and are just made-up rumors. First, the Subaru Corporation doesn’t care about the German automaker. The Mercedes-AMG 45 S is not a competitor to the WRX STI.
The current generation 2021 Subaru WRX STI 2021 turbocharged four-cylinder four-cylinder engine produces 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. Subaru only cares about the Volkswagen Golf R and the compact sports car Honda Civic Type-R, not the luxury Mercedes-AMG 45 S model. How would we know?
Take a look at what Subaru is doing with the new WRX 2022. They maintain the WRX’s horsepower above or near the competition.
The 2022 WRX has 271 horsepower, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has 241 horsepower, the Hyundai Elantra N makes 276 horsepower, and the Honda Civic Si now has 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.
Subaru will do the same with the new STI and ensure it matches or outperforms the horsepower ratings of the Honda Civic Type-R and Volkswagen Golf R. These two compact sports cars are STI competitors.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine produces 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Honda Civic Type-R 2.0-liter inline-four engine produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
How much horsepower will the Subaru WRX STI 2023 have when it arrives?
The next-generation Subaru WRX STI won’t have 420 horsepower and 362 lb-ft. torque. The all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine will likely have 100 horsepower less and produce around 320 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque to beat its main competitor.
What’s next for the 2023 Subaru WRX STI?
The Subaru WRX STI 2023 will upgrade the new 2.4-liter Boxer FA24 turbocharged engine with additional power. The new STI will ride the new Subaru Global Platform and get significant suspension and brake upgrades.
When can I buy a Subaru WRX STI 2022?
Subaru should introduce the new STI next summer and start producing the all-new WRX STI 2023 during the fall of 2022. STI won’t launch its dealership until early 2023.
A recent report from Forbes says the new STI will outperform the Mercedes-AMG 45 S and come with 420 horsepower. Those are all rumors and more false information for the next generation of 2023 Subaru WRX STI.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Horsepower
Subaru recently launched the all-new WRX and we’re already blown away, especially the new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine that delivers more power and torque than the previous 2.0-liter unit.
It may have a lower red stripe than before, but it retains the bolt-gun manual gearbox we loved in its previous incarnation.
More than that, we at CarBuzz offices are big fans of the style. Many didn’t appreciate the raised ride height and black body cladding, claiming it was too crossover-like, but considering the WRX was meant to be honed on the ground, it’s a true form-follows-function design. But there’s something to get excited about.
After every WRX release comes something more hardcore. Subaru WRX STI. Subaru has been tight-lipped about the details, but our in-house design experts already know what the next IMS will look like. This is the result.
Is The Sti Faster Than The Wrx For starters, big wings are standard fare in the evolution from the WRX to the STI? But the STI model is more than just wings. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate a wider track and fatter tires, which are needed to cushion the impact forces that will no doubt accompany the STI nomenclature.
Subaru has officially retired the EJ engine used in the last few generations of the STI, and the prediction is that the new model will inherit the 2.4-liter flat-four from the WRX, but with a slightly rotated axle.
While the WRX makes 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the STI is expected to make 345 hp. Manuals will no doubt be present, as will the STI’s driver-controlled center differential (DCCD), which allows the driver to adjust drivetrain behavior. The torque vector with the help of the brake will also be shown.
Expected output may drop at potential compared to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45’s 382 ponies or the new RS3’s 401 hp, but the WRX STI has always been more about the driving experience than the straight numbers. It also has the benefit of a so-called ‘true’ all-wheel-drive system.
The engines are mounted longitudinally, unlike the two rivals mentioned above, and although they now have a rear clutch package with torque vectoring and even a drift mode, we wish Subaru engineers had taken this into account when tuning the STI powertrain.
Feeding a more powerful engine, our designers have envisioned a larger hood scoop, adding extra aggression.
In the transition to the STI specification, the fog lamps have been removed and the front air inlets have been expanded. The front and rear fascia are also more aggressive with a front chin spoiler, darker headlights, and a more aggressive grille.
The odd triple vent slats in the front wheel arch are replaced with more traditional bottom-mounted vents, and the mandatory STI fender badge accompanies the design. At the rear, a larger exhaust outlet is expected to take advantage of Scooby’s signature burble.
Since the STI is more track-focused than the WRX, we predict that it will ride lower to the ground than the model it’s based on, providing better body control and handling at its limits. Of course, the STI wouldn’t be complete without a set of signature BBS wheels, finished in gold to accompany the WR Blue paint scheme.
If the new WRX STI looks the way we imagined it, we know Subaru will have a winner on its hands. Unfortunately, we didn’t expect there to be an STI train based on the new WRX Wagon.
As far as more mundane technicalities go, the WRX STI will inherit the Subaru WRX Global Platform. Dimensions won’t change much, meaning a large interior and a large trunk, and ensure the WRX STI’s status as a practical performance sedan.
But the new platform has big benefits, such as a 28% increase in torsional rigidity when comparing the new WRX to the previous one. On the STI, a stiffer suspension and extra support will improve this even further.
However, don’t overlook the adaptive dampers the WRX brings, making the STI more livable than ever.
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What Year Wrx Is Fastest
#5 – 2009 Impreza 330S (0-60) in only 4.8 seconds.
#4 – 2013 WRX Special Edition (0-60 in 4.7 seconds)
#3 – 1998 Impreza 22B STI 1998 (4.7 seconds to reach 60 mph)
#2 – 2012 WRX STI S206 (4.5 seconds 0-60 runs)
#1 – 2004 STI WR1 (4.3 seconds to reach 60 MPH)
How Fast Is A Subaru Wrx 0 To 60
The 2020 Subaru WRX is designed for traction on all surfaces and fast cornering. How to do it in a straight line from 0-60 mph? A new study of the vehicle with the best combination of fuel economy and acceleration shows the 2020 Subaru WRX is faster from 0-60 miles per hour than ten sports cars and roadsters. And it’s only slower than three.
Consumer Reports (subscribe) didn’t test the Subaru WRX STI because it’s a study about fuel efficiency and acceleration, not pure speed.
The lighter WRX uses the smaller 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine (23 mpg combined) versus the 2.5-liter engine at the STI (19 mpg combined). How fast is the Subaru WRX?
The 268 horsepower Subaru WRX will launch from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. That’s faster than Mazda MX-5 Miata Club (6.7 seconds), Honda Civic Si (7.3), Fiat 124 Spider Lusso (7.1), Mini Cooper S (7.0), Subaru BRZ/Toyota86 (7.2), Volkswagen GTI Autobahn (6.6 seconds). ), Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec (7.0), Audi TT 2.0T (6.3), and Ford Mustang Premium 2.3T (6.4).
The Subaru WRX is slower than the three models tested by CR. The BMW M235i takes 5.2 seconds from 0-60, the Toyota Supra Premium comes in 4.6 seconds from 0-60 mph, and the Porsche 718 Boxter is fastest at 4.4 seconds from 0-60 mph.
How Much Does the Subaru WRX Cost Compare to a Faster Sports Car?
Consumer Reports don’t measure the best value in sports cars, but how does the WRX compare at price? 2020 WRX Premium trim starts at $29,795.
The faster BMW M235i has an MSRP starting at $45,500, the new Toyota Supra Premium starting at $42,990, and the Porsche 718 Boxter starting at $62,000.
The Subaru WRX was the only sports car among the cars tested with standard all-wheel drive. This is what distinguishes the sport-tuned model from the competition.
For power, price, and fuel efficiency, the 2020 Subaru WRX is still the best performing sports car on the planet. That’s why it outsold all compact sports cars, including the new Chevrolet Corvette.
2023 Subaru WRX STI Price
Pricing for the 2022 WRX has yet to be announced. As a completely redesigned model, we expect prices for the 2022 and 2023 models to be of a higher range than the current models on sale.
The 2021 Subaru WRX ranges from $28,420 to $38,170 (by destination).
2023 Subaru WRX STI Release Date
The Subaru WRX 2023 should arrive at dealerships before the end of the year. The WRX performance sedan is slated to launch here in the second quarter of this year, following its global reveal last September.
So far the new-generation WRX STI hasn’t even been teased, we’ve only just tested this Tokyo Auto Salon concept, though full disclosure is expected later in 2022, before going on sale in 2023.
Expect the Subaru WRX STI to start at around $60,000 when it launches in Australia to reflect the extra technology and development costs of a new dedicated performance model like this.
