When Subaru unveiled the latest generation of Impreza sedans and hatchbacks for 2011 they did so without any WRX, or WRX STI variants mentioned – causing concern for some.
Reports later suggested that the performance models were still coming, but not for two years as executives were still deciding on what direction to take the cars – especially considering the standard models sacrificed a sizable amount of power compared to the previous generation in order to gain fuel efficiency.
While Subaru has still yet to confirm any type of performance figures, or anything at all other than the fact that the cars are coming, Akihide Takeucgi, product manager for Impreza, recently told Road and Track that it is safe for enthusiasts to have “very high expectations” for the future models.
Sources close to the project have also told R&T that the next-gen STI is expected to gain just eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque, putting the new total at 330 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque – albeit from a 2.0-liter turbocharged Boxer engine compared to the 2.5-liter engine in the outgoing model – the only problem is the last WRX STI had 305 horsepower, not 322 as the report claimed.
It’s unclear if the next engine will gain eight horsepower over the 305 figure, or if it will be 330 horsepower.
Some speculate a price around $35,000, which seems likely given the outgoing model’s pricing.
References
1.’2012 Subaru WRX…’ view
