Subaru Motorsports Unveils New WRX Rally Car: A Reminder of the Missing STI
Subaru Motorsports has recently revealed its latest entrant for the Open 4WD class of the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship. The vehicle, simply called the “WRX Rally Car,” serves as a painful reminder that Subaru enthusiasts have been left without a hardcore variant of the platform. While the brand claims that the WRX is maturing with its audience by offering more creature comforts and technology, many fans are left confused and disappointed by the lack of a true performance-focused model.
The WRX has faced criticism for its lack of a meaningful increase in peak power, the retention of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and its increased weight compared to previous models. However, some argue that these complaints may not be entirely valid. Despite the presence of a CVT, the WRX’s transmission is not terrible, and buyers still have the option to choose a manual transmission. Additionally, the 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine delivers its 271 horsepower at a lower rev range than older models, optimizing it for everyday driving. The sedan’s increased size does not seem to compromise its performance on twisty roads, although the brakes could have been upgraded.
While Subaru may have shifted its focus to attract more customers, the introduction of the WRX GT has been met with criticism. Priced $5,000 higher than the performance-focused STI trim, the GT seems more like a replacement for the Subaru Legacy Sport than a true successor to the STI. Subaru claims that emission regulations, particularly California’s stringent standards, played a significant role in the decision not to continue producing a high-performance STI model.
However, Subaru’s ARA rally car provides enthusiasts with a glimpse of what a modern STI might have been like. The WRX Rally Car produces 320 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque from a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, meeting the expectations of fans who were hoping for a streetable Subie with the prestigious STI badge. While the car could have made more power, ARA regulations limited the boost to 22 psi and required a 33 mm restriction plate. The interior of the rally car is stripped down to reduce weight, with Sparco ADV Prime seats and an FIA-certified roll cage adding some necessary safety features.
The WRX Rally Car’s debut is scheduled for the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 24th, with Brandon Semenuk and co-driver Keaton Williams behind the wheel. For the 2024 season, Travis Pastrana is expected to take over as the driver. While it may not be the STI that fans had hoped for, Subaru’s entry into rallying is a positive development. There is even speculation that Subaru may return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) if they build a car that adheres to the series’ current rules or if a new class is developed that accommodates existing Subaru hardware.
In conclusion, while Subaru enthusiasts may be disappointed by the absence of a hardcore STI variant of the WRX, the introduction of the WRX Rally Car provides a glimpse into what could have been. Subaru’s decision to focus on meeting emission regulations and attracting a broader customer base may have left some fans bitter, but their entry into rallying is an exciting development. Only time will tell if Subaru will make a comeback in the WRC or if they will develop a new class that showcases their performance capabilities.
