Subaru is Clearly Setting its Sights on Not Giving Fans the WRX STI They're Asking For

Recently, Subaru has been making waves by introducing new models to its lineup, each with its own unique features and upgrades. However, it seems that the company is deliberately not giving fans the WRX STI they've been clamoring for. While this may be a disappointment to some enthusiasts, Subaru has shown no signs of abandoning its WRX model altogether.

Instead, the company has opted to release new variants, each with its own strengths and features. First up was the WRX GT, which boasts some cool features but raises questions about the decision to only offer an automatic transmission. Next came the WRX TR, a nod to past tuner-ready versions that already comes equipped with upgraded features. This is followed by the latest addition to the lineup: the new WRX TS.

The WRX TS is a tuned model, developed in collaboration between Subaru's STI division and its standard WRX lineup. This allows for a bridge to be built between the GT and TR models, offering a compromise that caters to both performance enthusiasts and those seeking a more practical ride. The WRX TS shares some of the good performance bits from both the GT and TR, including brakes from the TR and adaptive dampers from the GT.

The braking system on the WRX TS is particularly noteworthy, with massive Brembo brakes that provide exceptional stopping power. The front brakes feature a six-piston setup with gold calipers, while the rear features a two-piston setup also wearing gold calipers. These brakes are shod in 245/35 Bridgestone Batza S007 tires and sit behind satin gray 19-inch wheels. The suspension is equipped with STI-tuned dampers that can be adjusted via the drive mode select system, offering drivers three settings: comfort, normal, and sports.

The interior of the WRX TS has also been upgraded, featuring Crystal black silica trim bits and a TS badge on the rear. Additionally, the car comes fitted with ricaro performance design front seats, wrapped in suede with contrasting blue accents. A TS logo is embossed on the headrest, adding an extra touch of branding to the already impressive interior.

One notable feature that sets the WRX TS apart from its competitors is its all-new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This feature allows drivers to view navigation and map directions directly within the cluster, a convenient feature for those who frequently navigate unfamiliar terrain. However, it's worth noting that the power moonroof has been ditched in favor of saving weight and maintaining headroom for helmet-wearing passengers.

Under the hood, the WRX TS remains faithful to its standard 2.4L turbocharged flat-four engine. Despite this, the car still manages to deliver impressive performance figures, with a peak output of 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque available from 2000 rpm upwards. Thankfully, drivers can still opt for a manual transmission, which is sure to be a hit among enthusiasts.

The WRX TS will make its debut at the Wicked Big Meet, Subaru's largest festival in the United States. Set to take place on June 2nd at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut, this event promises to be an exciting showcase for the new model. As for pricing, Subaru has yet to announce any figures, but it's expected to land in the low-to-mid $40,000 range.

The lack of pricing information raises one final question: will Subaru ever consider releasing a true STI version of the WRX? While fans have been vocal about their desire for an actual STI model, it seems that Subaru is content with offering alternative options. However, with the release of the WRX TS and its impressive performance figures, there's certainly hope that future models will cater to those seeking a more dedicated performance experience.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enSubaru is very clearly set on not giving folks the WRX STI they're asking to receive still that doesn't mean WRX is simply being left to twist in the wind recently Subaru offered up the WRX GT this one has some cool features but the auto only decision is a bit baffling next came the WRX TR which is a nod to the Past tuner ready versions though this one already has upgraded features now we have the new wrxt s which is a tuned by STI bridge between the GT and the TR does it pack enough under its pumped out fenders to get World Rally blue fans to open their wallets with the TS Subaru lets its STI division have a crack at tuning the WRX without diving fully into a true STI model that means we have a WRX that shares some of the good performance bits from both the GT and the TR this most notably means the brakes from the TR and adaptive dampers from the GT the WRX TS wears a set of massive Brembo brakes it has a six piston setup up front and a two piston setup Outback with a set of gold calipers instead of the red calipers found on the TR these brakes sit behind a set of satin gray 19-in wheels wearing 24535 Bridgestone batza s007 tires the same as the TR with the suspension the STI tune dampers are adjustable via the drive mode select system you can offer a comfort normal or Sports setup on the outside Subaru fits the WRX TS with Crystal black silica trim bits you also get a TS badge out back inside the TS is fitted with the ricaro performance design front seats these are wrapped in suede with contrasting blue accents and of course there's a TS logo embossed on the headrest additionally the TS actually gets an allnew 12.3 in digital gauge cluster it can show the map and nav directions right in the cluster like the TR the TS ditches the power moon roof in an effort to save a few pounds while also keeping Headroom at a Max for anyone who wears a helmet in one of these power-wise there are no changes under the hood the WRX TS utilizes the 2.4 L turbocharged flat 4 engine produces 271 horsepower and 258 PB feet of torque and that Peak torque is available from 2,000 on up to 50 00 RPM thankfully you can get this one with a manual gearbox judging by the photos Subaru has released the car will debut in the flesh on June 2nd at the wicked big meat the largest Subaru Festival in the states which takes place at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut Subaru hasn't announced pricing just yet but expect this to land in the low to mid $40,000 range and hopefully enough people at the wicked big meet are vocal about the need for an actual STI version of the car or or at least some news that one is planned for the next generation of the WRXSubaru is very clearly set on not giving folks the WRX STI they're asking to receive still that doesn't mean WRX is simply being left to twist in the wind recently Subaru offered up the WRX GT this one has some cool features but the auto only decision is a bit baffling next came the WRX TR which is a nod to the Past tuner ready versions though this one already has upgraded features now we have the new wrxt s which is a tuned by STI bridge between the GT and the TR does it pack enough under its pumped out fenders to get World Rally blue fans to open their wallets with the TS Subaru lets its STI division have a crack at tuning the WRX without diving fully into a true STI model that means we have a WRX that shares some of the good performance bits from both the GT and the TR this most notably means the brakes from the TR and adaptive dampers from the GT the WRX TS wears a set of massive Brembo brakes it has a six piston setup up front and a two piston setup Outback with a set of gold calipers instead of the red calipers found on the TR these brakes sit behind a set of satin gray 19-in wheels wearing 24535 Bridgestone batza s007 tires the same as the TR with the suspension the STI tune dampers are adjustable via the drive mode select system you can offer a comfort normal or Sports setup on the outside Subaru fits the WRX TS with Crystal black silica trim bits you also get a TS badge out back inside the TS is fitted with the ricaro performance design front seats these are wrapped in suede with contrasting blue accents and of course there's a TS logo embossed on the headrest additionally the TS actually gets an allnew 12.3 in digital gauge cluster it can show the map and nav directions right in the cluster like the TR the TS ditches the power moon roof in an effort to save a few pounds while also keeping Headroom at a Max for anyone who wears a helmet in one of these power-wise there are no changes under the hood the WRX TS utilizes the 2.4 L turbocharged flat 4 engine produces 271 horsepower and 258 PB feet of torque and that Peak torque is available from 2,000 on up to 50 00 RPM thankfully you can get this one with a manual gearbox judging by the photos Subaru has released the car will debut in the flesh on June 2nd at the wicked big meat the largest Subaru Festival in the states which takes place at the Stafford Motor Speedway in Connecticut Subaru hasn't announced pricing just yet but expect this to land in the low to mid $40,000 range and hopefully enough people at the wicked big meet are vocal about the need for an actual STI version of the car or or at least some news that one is planned for the next generation of the WRX\n"