If you were anxiously waiting for a next-gen Subaru WRX STI, here comes the bad news from the manufacturer itself: the trim version is officially discontinued.
Despite only debuting not long ago, the new WRX model will continue its life without a performance version. According to the press release, the automaker was looking into the various scenarios it could develop the STI lineup, and one of the possibilities was making it electrified or all-electric. However things develop, there will be no WRX STI in this generation.
This decision means buyers of the WRX only have the STI Line package to opt for if they want an STI badge on their sports car. The important thing to note is that the package adds purely visual upgrades while leaving the drivetrain unchanged.
As you may remember, Subaru introduced the all-electric STI E-RA Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January this year (see video). The model relied on a quartet of electric motors jointly rated above 1,000 horsepower (750 kilowatts). It is a fully functional racecar, and Subaru will be taking it to the Nürburgring later this year, hoping to set a new record.