Next-gen STi won't lack performance

[AF News Desk]

Devout Subaru fans who are worried about the impact of changing the STi model may take a breath with word coming from the company that their coveted performance car will not suffer a loss in the performance area as the model changes.

Some STi faithful have felt that the most recent iterations of the car have lost their competitive edge in terms of performance and styling, mainly for the sake of fitting with mainstream designs.

However, according to the company, power will be the least of anyone's concerns.

The story from AutoWeek:

Originally Posted by By Greg Migliore - AutoWeek, 11/16/11

Subaru's U.S. boss says the next-generation Impreza WRX STI will have more than 300 hp. The 2011 STI is shown. /AutoWeek

Subaru will stay true to performance with its next-generation STI

Subaru is hard at work fortifying the next generation of the Impreza WRX and the enthusiast-oriented STI, a top executive said on Wednesday at the Los Angeles auto show.

The next WRX will get a new turbo four-cylinder engine, and the STI will continue to have a performance engine making more than 300 hp, said Tom Doll, executive vice president of Subaru of America. The current STI makes 305 hp.

“It's the car that appeals to the youthful generation,” he said. “It's just a performance driving machine."

Doll made the remarks after Subaru revealed the BRZ STI concept, a sports coupe that previews the company's upcoming two-door. Doll said Subaru will continue to market to enthusiasts, even as it develops smaller cars.

“It's a pure sports car from the ground up,” Doll said.

The production version of the BRZ will debut on Nov. 30 at the Tokyo motor show.

Subaru also will sell another utility vehicle, the Crosstrek, in America, Doll confirmed.

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While I don't doubt that Subaru is planning to put together a solid STi, my interest is still more heavily vested in the continued emergence of the BRZ concept and how that will impact the future evolution of the STi name.

Still, having spoken to STi owners and former owners alike, there has been concern about the direction the car has been heading recently, so it's good to be able to have at least some form of assurance come directly from Subaru.

What do you think? Is there any reason to worry about the direction of the STi?

[-Josh-]

Up until this announcement yes. The STi lost its identity years ago in my opinion, i'd like to see it go back to a more squared off boxy format.