Founded in 1988, Subaru Tecnica International has designed and raced numerous rally cars over the years. The rally upgrades have influenced high-performance, STI versions of Subaru models available to the public, including the Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI.

These cars, which are available in North America, keep their racing roots, combining performance and a sporty appearance. At this point, there’s more speculation than fact about the upcoming 2022 WRX STI, but here’s a look at what’s expected for the upcoming, super-powerful car.

Exterior features for the new Subaru WRX

With the 2017 redesign of the Subaru Impreza, fans have been looking forward to a new Subaru WRX and Subaru WRX STI for several years. While the WRX and WRX STI are similar to the Impreza, the two will likely have wider performance tires along with a stiffer suspension and bigger brakes, all to generate high performance at top speeds.

If the WRX is based on the Viziv Performance concept car, which appeared at the 2017 Tokyo auto show, and the Levorg wagon, which will be sold in Japan later in 2020, then Car and Driver expect it to be “lower, longer, and more aggressive than the current car.” Car and Driver also says they’re “hoping to see the STI with those iconic gold wheels.”

Money Inc. describes the new WRX STI as “a futuristic muscle car.” It will be more aerodynamic and have sharper edges, as compared to the 2020 model year. While nothing is known yet about the interior, it will need to keep up with the already luxurious current model year.

Powertrain and performance

According to Forbes, the WRX STI may have a 2.4-liter flat-four engine that generates more than 400 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque. The current model has less power, with 304 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Its engine has been around since 1989, but the new engine will be more efficient, cleaner, and better able to meet fuel economy and emissions regulations.

The Ascent, Outback, and Legacy models already have similar new engines. Their engines have less output though, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver suggests that the WRX and WRX STI versions will have extra tuning, like a larger turbocharger, to increase performance.

Car and Driver also predict that the WRX will have either a manual transmission or a CVT and the WRX STI will likely have only a six-speed manual transmission. It’s possible there will be both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

What platform will Subaru use for the 2022 WRX STI?

The new platform will be an update to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is used by a number of Subaru models. Subaru first switched over to a global platform in 2016, when it first appeared on the Impreza compact.

It’s expected that the new platform will give the new WRX and WRX STI a lower center of gravity. The new platform should also improve steering, comfort, and safety. The Subaru website explains that the new platform will bring multiple updates to the chassis, including “higher rigidity, higher strength, lighter weight, better rolling resistance, and responsive steering.”

How much will the 2022 Subaru WRX STI cost?

The 2022 Subaru WRX and WRX STI are expected to be available sometime during 2021, with the STI arriving a few months after the standard WRX. However, it’s possible the two cars might not make an appearance until 2023, according to Money Inc.

The current 2020 WRX STI starts at $36,000, so Car and Driver estimate that the WRX’s base price will be around $30,000 and the STI’s will be more than $40,000. Plenty of people will likely find this a small price to pay to add so much power to their driving experience.