June 27th 2022
We know Subaru has decided to stop production of the performance-oriented WRX STI, but it doesn’t mean the brand is driving itself away from the sporty products. To prove the point, the automaker has introduced the Subaru Forester STI Sport. It is a sporty crossover for Japanese markets featuring an updated suspension and some distinct design cues.
The biggest mechanical alteration we can see in this model is the inclusion of the STI-tweaked dampers. The altered Forester uses a pair of 18-inch wheels with a dark grey polish and 225/55 all-season tires.
The exterior boasts many unique elements that distinguish it from the regular Forester. We are speaking of black accents for the fog light surrounds, bumper trim at each side, and of course the STI signs on the grille and at the rear. Interested customers can have the performance crossover in Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica.
The interior is available in two-tone upholstery with Nappa leather in Black and Bourdeaux red. Furthermore, we can find STI marking on the headrest and red contrast stitching all over the cabin. The instruments comprise STI labeling on the tachometer and red highlights for the two gauges.
The STI Sport variant is powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine good for 175 horsepower (130 kilowatts) and 221 pound-feet (300 Newton-meters) of torque. The power goes to the wheels through Subaru’s CVT, making sure each wheel gets the required torque.
Expect the 2022 Forester STI Sport to hit the showrooms in the land of the sun this summer. The pricing details aren’t revealed by the Japanese automaker, so we have to wait for a little time to get this information.
The company has to stop the production of the WRX STI due to strict emission rules. Subaru could have created the performance model but it would have been feasible for the markets for a short time.
Subaru has diverted its focus on electrification both for the mainstream and performance vehicles. During the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, the automaker showed us the track-oriented STI E-RA Concept featuring an electric motor at every axle. The powertrain is capable of producing up to 1,073 horsepower (800 kilowatts) courtesy of a 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Although the automaker said this concept is developed to create a vehicle that could lap Nürburgring in 6-minute-40 seconds, we still couldn’t see it happening.
On the other hand, the company’s first full-electric vehicle Solterra will get its STI model. We already witnessed it at the Tokyo show, but there is no word on its production as of yet. Subaru’s EV partner, Toyota also has plans to produce a performance version of the bZ4X, so we hope to get a sporty variant of the Solterra, as well.
Source and Images: Motor1