Will The Next STI Be A Hybrid?

Hybrids are on the rise, and we don’t think anyone is able to argue against the benefits to cars as a whole. A hybrid powertrain can be used as another way to add horsepower and torque to a car, like a new type of supercharger or turbocharger, and without the expressed purpose of being for fuel mileage gains. Although, that is a positive byproduct of a hybrid system. 

STI Is Subaru

What would you imagine if we asked you what immediately springs to mind when we say Subaru? Likely, your first thoughts would be all-wheel drive, Boxer engines, STI wagons and sedans, and rally driving. These are all what makes a Subaru a Subaru in many ways. 

In case you didn’t know, STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, and it is the high-performance department of Subaru cars. STI takes already solid vehicles and turns them up to 11. Any car tuned by STI receives an upgraded suspension, larger brakes, more power, performance seats, and usually a larger wing on the back to let everyone know this car means business… Or to give the police somewhere to point their lasers at to know how fast you’re traveling. 

STI Becomes STe?

By 2026 Subaru plans to have a handful of new electric vehicles. So it seems only necessary to have high-performance EVs tuned by STI. Now, though, we have a better idea of what that could mean. According to sources, Subaru has taken the step of trademarking the name “STe” with the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). It appears STI will operate under a new name specific to electric vehicles, Subaru Tecnica Electrified. 

This all goes with a press release Subaru sent out in March of 2022 that said in part, “As part of that effort, Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification.  In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform.”

Due to the inevitability of electric vehicles in the Subaru lineup, it is only probable, then, that the next Subaru WRX would be a Hybrid Sport Sedan with a Hybrid STI. Or, just maybe, the next generation WRX will be all-electric, making the next WRX STI really the WRX STe. Only time will tell for now, as the single current Subaru EV is the Solterra. However, do keep in mind that a Solterra STI was teased at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. Also, at that same show, Subaru showed off an electric concept car called the 1,073-horsepower STI E-RA Challenge Project Concept. Only time will tell what will be, and I am positive it will be fun and fascinating. 

At Subaru of Rochester, we are happy to offer hundreds of new and used vehicles to our customers. Our fantastic sales team will work hard to find the best car that fits your needs, and our dedicated service department will always ensure that your vehicle is taken care of in the best way possible. We look forward to serving you soon.