What You Need to Know About Subaru STI

When most drivers type “Subaru dealer near me” into their favorite search engine, it is because they are looking for the safety and reliability that only a Subaru can offer. But if you are a car enthusiast, then you are likely hunting for something a little different – the high-speed performance models that draw on Subaru’s World Rally Car legacy. While vehicles such as the WRX and BRZ can certainly fill that need, the pinnacle of performance comes from Subaru’s dedicated performance arm, Subaru Tecnica International. Cars from STI can be counted on to provide a level of handling that will let you take them straight from your local Subaru dealer to your local racetrack.

Ever since STI was established in 1988, car enthusiasts have sought out the vehicles that it has designed and tuned. Anyone who pays close attention to the rally racing scene is well aware of Subaru’s significance in the sport, a legacy that began back in 1972. By the time STI models began appearing in America at the consumer level, Subaru’s dominance in rally racing was several decades in the making, and the average consumer could now get a taste of that power on the open road, and the rest was history.

The Performance Differences

The STI variants of models such as the WRX contain a few upgrades from the standard offering. Firstly, this starts with the powertrain itself. As is the case with all other Subaru models, the WRX utilizes a boxer engine with a distinctive horizontal cylinder arrangement that helps keep the car’s center of gravity low. It should be noted that the other automotive brand known for its boxer engines is no other than Porsche, putting Subaru in excellent company. Inside of the standard 2021 WRX is a turbocharged 2.0L flat-4 engine that comes paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission. This engine produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for a compact car.

The base engine in the WRX is well-received for its capabilities. However, the 2021 WRX STI replaces the 2.0L FA20 with a far more potent 2.5L EJ25, resulting in a night and day difference. Further, in pure rally racing form, the engine in the STI can only be paired to a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. There are numerous differences between the FA20 and EJ25 engines, but they can be summarized by noting the increased performance. The EJ25 produces 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, and that brute performance of the STI engine is beneficial, to say the least.

Enhancements that also separate the WRX STI from the WRX include its suspension and all-wheel-drive system, as the STI is more reminiscent of its rally racing lineage. The manual WRX uses a simple but effective AWD system borrowed from the manual Impreza. The 50/50 torque split from the viscous center differential provides excellent traction, and the purely mechanical nature of the system makes it extremely predictable to drive in high-performance situations.

However, the WRX STI goes even further with a Driver Controlled Center Differential. In its standard mode, this 41/59 rear-biased system allows for controllable oversteer and improved acceleration. However, the driver can manually lock the differential for true four-wheel drive performance. Further, the WRX STI has front and rear mechanical limited-slip differentials to keep all four wheels turning without needing a power-robbing traction control system.

Another difference between the WRX and WRX STI is in the brakes and suspension. While the WRX has 12.4-inch front rotors and two-piston calipers, the WRX STI has top-of-the-line Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch drilled front rotors and six-piston calipers. This gives you immediate braking that will not fade under sustained use, an essential aspect of any rally car. Wheels also see an upgrade over the lower-tier models as both WRX STI and WRX STI Limited receive 19-inch wheels. Lastly, drivers will be hard-pressed to not opt for the available sports-styled front seats that add a dash of luxury and vibrancy to your interior.

What About the BRZ?

The 2020 BRZ also has an STI model that is available to customers as BRZ tS. The “tS” designation stands for “tuned by STI” and signifies smaller changes than were made between the WRX and WRX STI. However, they are still worth noting. Firstly, a retuned racing-oriented suspension is present, along with additional chassis stiffening and a high-performance braking system. You can add this same braking system to the base model, but it comes standard on the tS variant. What is different from the WRX, however, is the BRZ is only offered with one powertrain configuration, meaning the tS model receives the same engine as the standard BRZ. Regardless of this, the BRZ tS is still the go-to choice for track driving over the base model.

Inside of the 2020 BRZ and BRZ tS is a 2.0L flat-4 boxer engine that produces 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. For those who want more power, the upcoming and fully-redesigned 2022 BRZ has a larger 2.4L flat-4 with 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. As with the WRX, the BRZ tS also drops the 6-speed automatic option found in the base BRZ and only comes equipped with a 6-speed manual. Finally, the tS has larger 18-inch wheels wearing Michelin high-performance summer tires for nearly a full 1 G of cornering grip.

Safe Travels?

In another nod to the automotive enthusiast, the STI models are among the very few Subaru vehicles that do not come with the EyeSight Driver Assist safety suite. While EyeSight is an excellent feature for people who spend their time listening to the radio and commuting on busy streets, the last thing you want when pushing the limits is an automated system interrupting your driving. By leaving off one of its most highly advertised safety systems, Subaru has shown that its STI models are true performance vehicles intended for serious drivers.

This is not to say that STI models aren’t treated to any safety features, as there are indeed a few that are worth mentioning. Both STI models contain Subaru’s Advanced Frontal Airbag System and whiplash-reducing front seats, features that can prevent injuries while racing. Realistically, the STI models have the safety features that you’d want on the track and back roads without adding anything that could interfere with the excitement of driving a high-performance vehicle.

Come Visit Our Location Today

We believe that Williams Subaru is unlike any other Subaru dealership that you’ve been to before. You won’t find a better selection at fairer prices on the very best Subaru models available, and our fantastic service is simply unmatched. As a dealership, we’ve earned one of the highest ratings in the area because of our consistent commitment to quality, both in the vehicles we sell and the interactions that we have with our customers. We look forward to your visit to our dealership, and you’ll find us conveniently located at 5701 E. Independence Blvd. Charlotte, NC. If you value performance in the vehicle that you drive, then it is time to find a model from Subaru Tecnica International.

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