Boost Performance with the Legendary Subaru WRX STI Return: What You Need to Know

Subaru Finally Delivers the WRX STI, But With a Twist

Subaru has finally given its fans what they’ve been waiting for – a WRX STI. But, it’s not without some caveats. The new S210 STI is limited to just 500 units, and the bad news is that it only comes with a CVT. Yes, you read that right – a continuously variable transmission. While many WRX models offer CVTs, and they’re decent sport sedans, an STI should have a manual transmission, especially if it’s limited to just 500 cars.

What’s the Reason Behind the CVT?

According to Subaru, the CVT is supposed to make the STI a "two-pedal sports sedan directly descended from the Nürburgring 24-hour race machine." Okay, but what about the fans who want to experience the thrill of shifting gears themselves? It seems like Subaru is catering to a specific mass market with the CVT.

The Good News: Performance and Design

Despite the CVT, the rest of the car seems awesome. The engine is the same "FA24" 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but it’s been juiced up a bit from the WRX tS. It makes 300 horsepower, and features upgraded STI wheels, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, six-piston Brembo brakes, and Subaru’s "STI Flexible" anti-roll bars. The design is also a major improvement, with a fixed wing and kick-ass wheels. Inside, it has fantastic carbon fiber Recaro bucket seats that look like they belong in a Porsche 911 GT3.

A Disappointment for Fans

Subaru finally creating an "STI," only to extremely limit its production and exclusively give it a bland transmission feels like a disservice to its fans. A CVT spoils the fun in every other version of the WRX, so there’s no reason to expect otherwise here. Hopefully, this car shows Subaru there’s a real customer demand for STIs, and gets to work on a more global production version with an appropriate gearbox of course.

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