New Subaru WRX, STI could arrive second half 2013

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By Tim Beissmann | September 23rd, 2011

The new Subaru WRX and STI sports models will emerge from Japan around 18 months after the launch of the all-new Subaru Impreza.

The new WRX and STI will be completely separate from the Impreza range, in much the same way the upcoming Subaru XV will break away from the Impreza model line-up.

Like the XV, however, the Subaru WRX and STI are expected to share their basic underpinnings with the standard Impreza.

With the new Subaru Impreza sedan and hatch due in Australia in the first quarter of 2012, you probably shouldn’t get your hopes up for a new WRX/STI before the second half of 2013.

Subaru Australia’s David Rowley said the timing of the performance variants was still to be finalised, but suggested they could arrive in less than two years’ time.

Mr Rowley confirmed the current Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STI would be sold alongside the new Impreza range until the all-new models arrived. He described the performance vehicles as “pivotal models” to the local line-up.

The current Subaru Impreza WRX range starts at $39,990 for the manual hatch and sedan, and top outs at $65,990 for the Impreza WRX STI spec.R.

Charger

Just make it look good!! PLEASE SUBARU
Showtime

I love Subies!!
Harry

With Mitsubishi killing off the evo everyone (not just the Subaru fans) should be grateful that the STI isn’t dead yet.
Hector

bring the Sti out with an awesome PDK/DSG-like setup and I will buy 110%.

Aaron CK

NO, NO, NO! It takes away from the driving expereince! When I was a kid I said driving manual was pointless, but as I got older and actually drove a couple manual cars, I began to love it. I have an 08 WRX and love it It would be cool if they offered the DSG as an alternative to manual, but not the only option, or a lot of people would be dissapointed. I can’t wait for 2013/14 because I will definitely be purchasing my first brand new STI… I.e. Depending on what direction they take it in.

Hector

you’re missing the point though Aaron. a proper twin clutch system will make these cars go faster. you want to go faster or slower?

http://caradvice OSU811

no no no, Please please please Subaru stick with the current brilliant 6sp manual in the STI.!! offer DSG as an option, some people like me still want to feel and drive a proper and brilliant mechanical manual!!
CRS200

These cars are about rally not drag racing.

Rally = very twisty roads.

Manual is control on those twisty roads and performance, go and ask a rally driver if he drives an Auto when competing.

Learn on how to drive a manual or just go buy a Camry.

j

I can’t believe they sell the sti with a slushbox automatic… (as an option which I hope everyone avoids)

marcelito

One of the car mags here in Japan just released supposedly genuine pics of the upcoming Wrx in this week,s edition…. both sedan and hatch versions look great.. Much better than the normal Impreza models.

Hector

you got a link to those pics marcelito, or some key words to plug into a search engine?
Hector

and does the sedan/hatch version look like a WRC car like they said it would?
Juice08

pics would be great! can decide if i’ll get the current model at runout time or wait for the next model.

UMWHAT

pictures marcelito, pictures or It didn’t happen

DWS1

…Now that I can afford one, I tried very hard to like the current Impreza WRX. But just could not do it. Sorry and geez is the Outback in the flesh ugly.
CRS200

Great, but Subaru could you please make the WRX version 6 Gear Manual this time!
marcelito

Haha… I’ll doublecheck the name of the magazine so you guys can try googling it..even though lots of the japags don’t have online editions .. They are kinda behind on that here.. Go figure..
Lazza

I used to drive an MY04 STi and loved it. The Golf R is the benchmark car in this segment and with Mitsu up in the air with the EVO there’s a real chance to grab some market share.

They need to have an interior up to scratch like the Golf R’s for the STi and definitely a DSG style offering.

Hector

Mitsubishi offered a really good twin clutch setup with the EVOX back in 2008. If Subaru can’t build a good twin clutch system by the year 2013, then i would be very surprised. fingers crossed.

CRS200

Another idiot that wants a performance automated “Rally” car…

Give up mate buy a Camry auto.

Can’t drive stick don’t know S%&#…

Hector

you’re a sick *&%$ CRS200. at least i know how to drive my stick through your mums crack

Jess

DSG’s are for pansies. The current WRX looks great. Keep it that way. But what I would like to see is a 6spd manual for the WRX, more power, a huge improvement in fuel efficiency at WOT and a 4 pot proper front braking system like the WRX’s of old had. An improvement in dash plastics to some softer materials would be excellent as well. Also make it impossible for lebos to car-jack and you’re on a winner.

MrDucati

lmao loved your comment, it’s all true and need addressing! especially the last bit.

marcelito

The pics of te next Wrx & Sti were published as a scoop in this months edition of Best Car magazine in Japan… not sure if the mag has an online edition…

Hector

so what does the Sti look like marcelito? does it look like a small WRC hatch?

Lazza

CRS200, the WRC cars run a sequential gearbox paddle shifted. Subaru needs a DSG option in addition to a manual. The current auto offering is circa 1980′s and just doesn’t cut it today. Look at other sports cars, paddle shifted I.e EVO and Golf R which are in the same class.
http://goggle max1

Im 1 fan of subaru wxr sti. Getting my subbie next month. Envy me people…..hahahaha see ya.

atul

congrats mate I am also big fan of subies very good driving than any other car

2B

These cars MUST look a bit CRAZY.
Real rally cars look the business ( pretty crazy )
Somehow all Subies always manage to accomodate heaps
of cardigan atmosphere. Extreme does not mean extreme
cardigan.
Troysta

i seriously have no idea where caradvice get their pricing from.. $65,990 for a STi? I litterally just got back from the subaru dealer, $67,600 for a base model STi or a Spec -R is $75k
Drphil

6 speed manual in my v7 sti has become a pain in the ass over the last 10 years.
DSG and I will buy new. If not EVO I go.