Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Australia, Rumormill



Subaru is currently plotting the future of the next-generation WRX STI. Company delegates from various world markets are currently headed to Japan to decide whether the rally bruiser will continue to be a hardcore racer straight from the factory or if it will head in a new, somewhat posher direction. According to GoAuto.com (and previous reports), the new STI will be significantly different from the base Impreza and WRX, and that difference may translate into a more upscale performance model. Think something along the lines of a BMW M or a Mercedes-Benz AMG machine.

Regardless of which direction the model takes, odds are we can expect to see a turbocharged version of the new 2.0-liter dual-overhead cam boxer four-cylinder currently found in the Forester. Nick Senior, Subaru Australia Managing Director, has been quoted as saying the engine is compatible with forced inductions, countering earlier reports.

While Senior says he hopes the STI will continue to be a rally thoroughbred, his vote only counts for so much. Australia is the fourth-largest Subaru market behind the U.S., Japan and China.Big decisions loom for next Subaru WRX this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

More...

nick senior needs to get back on side of the enthusiasts who made subaru popular in the first place.

__________________

Long live the WRC