Subaru is set to introduce an all-new Impreza next year and that means the sporty WRX and WRX STI will soon be renewed as well. We've already spied some prototypes and Subaru has unveiled concepts previewing both the hatch and sedan. Underpinning the vehicles will be a new platform called the Subaru Global Platform, which promises significant weight savings plus vehicle electrification.
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According to Motoring, the vehicle electrification may entail a hybrid system in the new WRX STI. The Australian publication, citing an inside source, reports that Subaru is looking at using a revised version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine found in overseas versions of the current WRX STI in combination with an electric motor.
The setup Subaru is said to be evaluating sees the electric motor power the rear axle and the boxer engine power the front, creating a through-the-road hybrid all-wheel-drive system. A plug-in hybrid version that could potentially offer a small electric-only range is also being looked at, according to the report. The transmission, meanwhile, is said to be a six-speed dual-clutch unit.
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If given the go ahead, peak output of the system will reportedly exceed the current model’s 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque, while combined gas mileage is said to be as high as 36 mpg.
The good news is that there’s no mention of a hybrid WRX, which means there may still be a more traditional model on offer for purists.
With the new Impreza set to debut early next year, it’s likely we’ll see the new WRX and WRX STI, or at least a concept, by early 2017.
