2018 Subaru WRX STI Price, Release Date, Specs, Interior

Australians behold. The compact segment might be the most reasonable one. It is entry level to family transportation with the cheapest price tag you can achieve while being “relatively” capable of tagging along with your loved ones, in return often devoid of attractiveness, luxury, speed, and certainly without any traces of intriguing. Stated positive sides would be the cause of its great popularity in Europe, though in the US it never managed to slot under “bigger the better” mentality. Anyway, a certain part of it raises the eyebrows and boil the driver’s blood on both sides of the pond, while one of the prominent specimens of “hot” bunch is updated 2018 Subaru WRX STI, also arriving in lesser version missing STI part of the moniker.

Best of Subaru

Subaru doesn’t have a habit of issuing fat designers checks, and they openly admitted so. In the brand’s vast offer of visual grayness and dullness, spiced up Impreza is the best you can get. Huge hood-scoop, meshed grille, large multi-spoke alloys, rear diffuser and gigantic wing at the back (with STI model), raise the level of adrenaline just by looking at this small sedan. Refresh brought some mild tweaks for the grille, front bumper, and interior layout of headlights (now steering responsive in higher trims), along with new alloys.

Despite a new generation of regular Impreza debuted last year, angry version’s of it usually arrive later, so this nip and tuck are what you get for now. Nothing big for sure, but still preserving this hot compact extravagant boyish racer appearance, though new Civic Type R took things even way further.

Spot the Difference

It is very hard to spot any changes on the inside, but Subi promises some enhancements. Cabin supposedly now features plusher materials, lesser noise levels, and rear seats now accommodate armrest with cupholders. The novelty you could spot is tweaked steering wheel lower spoke, more gloss black treatment, and enlarged infotainment screen, going from previously ridiculously small 4.3 inches to new 5.9-inch display, while one from Premium trim grows by 0.8 inches to 7 inches in diameter. In total, neither Subaru charm with its cabin, applicable to this one too, but highly bolstered seats with red inserts and contrast stitching still reserve some flare for it.

No to Some Changes

Latest Impreza arrived last year with the brand new platform, which elevated its (already good) road behavior to completely new level and which is also set to underpin all brand’s models in future, but since current WRX debuted in 2014, transfer to new architecture will have to wait for a new generation. Also, nothing changes under the hood, WRX still utilize turbocharged 2.0-liter H4 rated at 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque (197 kW/350 Nm), while STI continues with turbocharged 2.5-liter H4 boosting 305 hp and 290 lb-ft (221 kW/407 Nm).

In the best case, you’ll reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, in worst add three-tenths to the equation. If this lack of changes bothers you, don’t let it so. STI is outperformed in a straight line only by immensely powerful Focus RS, while “regular” WRX leads the pack by a great margin, leaving Civic Si, Focus ST, Elantra Sport and Golf GTI behind both in power and acceleration times (Sentra Nismo is not worthy of mentioning here).

Yes to Others

Despite specs on paper remain the same, lap times are destined to get hotter. How? The suspension is tweaked, along with electrically assisted steering, while central differential in charge of torque appointment between axles just became quicker opting just for electric engagement (previously mixed with mechanical one). Plus to everything Brembo brakes in STI model is improved with yellow-painted six-pistons calipers at the front and two at the back, together with larger, now cross-drilled rotors. This Subi was already more than decent (read great) on track and back roads, so with this extra attention, we won’t yearn for that new platform, yet.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Price

Refreshed 2018 Subaru WRX STI and WRX are already on sale in the US, priced from $27.5k or $36k with STI badging. On the other hand, they have just arrived on Australian ground, governing prices from $39k (Australian ones off course) for base WRX with the manual shifter, to $48.8k for highest trim and CVT. STI asks for almost $51k, while top offers to knock out additional seven grand.

For the US market, the prices for the WRX STI are different and these models aren’t available at every delearship, as indicated by buyherepayhere.io, so you should check that out before the purchase. 

Updated Jun 26, 2017. The ongoing Subaru STI is approaching the end of its life, but before its discontinuation, it seems they are going to release a few limited edition models. One of these is going to be the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, which stands for “Record Attempt.” It seems Subaru will be trying to break a few records at the Nurburgring this year and in order to mark the event, they will build 500 Type RA units. So far Subaru hasn’t announced the availability of the car, but it is safe to assume they will offer a few examples for each market around the World. All cars will feature a metal plaque on the center console that will state not only their number but also the VIN to show that it is, in fact, a special edition model.

Any power upgrades? The Type RA still boasts the same 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four as the regular STI. However, the car now makes 231kW and the same amount of torque as before. The small bump in its output has been achieved with the help of a new cold-air intake system and a free-flowing exhaust which should also make a much nicer sound than before.

Changes: Even though the engine received little attention, the rest of the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA received a lot more care. For starters, the car now boasts a carbon fiber roof which is otherwise unavailable on the regular model. On top of that, it also received a rear carbon fiber wing, and it no longer has a spare tire. The car also received larger front brakes while the calipers have been improved at all four corners. In the front, it now boasts 6-piston Brembo calipers while in the back there are new 2-piston aluminum calipers which should help it stop much better than before. The interior has been left mostly untouched with the only upgrades being the red-bolstered and stitched Recaro seats and the new suede-covered steering wheel.

The running gear: In order to make it much faster around a track Subaru gave the Type RA a unique setup for the front suspension. The car now features inverted shocks which are quite unusual for a production car. It also comes with the double-wishbone suspension which is a big change from the car’s regular setup. Thanks to these, the new brakes and the larger lightweight 19 inch BBS rims wrapped in high-performance tires, the Type RA has to be one of the fastest production cars released by Subaru so far.

Update Apr 22, 2017. Subaru has officially confirmed the price for new models of his twins WRX and WRX STI. The 2018 Subaru WRX will start at $ 26,995 ($300 over the 2017MY) and available with a six-speed manual transmission, 268-horsepower turbocharged H4. The premium model starts $30,155. On the other hand, the top end version of the 2018 WRX STI costs around $41,755, with 305-horsepower and 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four. This is by far one of the best values for money on the market today!  

The new 2018 Subaru WRX STI model will most likely hit the market closer to later this spring.

Whenever I take a look at the photos of the 2018 Subaru WRX STI they always remind me of my childhood and my first racing game. It was Colin McRae Rally 2 and, although I cannot name all the cars that were available in the game, I clearly remember there was one identical to the car mentioned above. Perhaps it was even Subaru, maybe even the WRX.

Perhaps it was even Subaru, maybe even the WRX. The name stands for ‘World Rally eXperimental,’ but you can find some sources telling you it is an abbreviation for “World Rally Cross.” One thing is sure, though – every single WRX comes with rally-inspired technology. In other words, they come with all-wheel drive, turbocharged four-cylinders, and stiffer suspensions. The vehicle debuted as a Subaru Impreza, but it completely changed the name, and since the third generation it’s been known simply as WRX on most of the markets.

Subaru Technica International (STI) is Subaru’s high-performance tuning team. The team adds more power, speed, and aggression to Subaru models. The 2018 WRX will get refreshment as well and it will be the most powerful in the family.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Review

The first STI model was launched in 1994 when engineers wanted to produce even faster and more powerful vehicle. For a long time, they were refusing to send it to the US rally championship, but it finally arrived in 2002. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, it delivered 227 hp and could reach 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. However, with the price of $25,000 was a hit. During the history, it was offered in several body styles: two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door hatchback. The 2018 Subaru WRX STI will be offered as a four-door sedan while the non-STI variant will be a five-door coupe.

Specs

As well as the base model WRX, the new STI is getting the engine of the predecessor. In other words, a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with port fuel injection is going to be under the hood of the 2018 model. It comes with an output of 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. Impressed? Well, not so much.

There were many complaints about this choice since many expected at least 500 hp. And why they shouldn’t expect that much. After all, STI is a high-performance tuning team and they should enhance performances of the regular models. 300 hp was astonishing a decade ago, but nowadays everything under 500 hp is unacceptable. If they want to remain on the map with this model, they need to revise some things in the future.

With the 2.5-liter it can develop a top speed of 160 mph. It is coupled with a six-speed manual and that will be the only option. If you are a fan of Subaru, then you probably have already heard of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive or SAWD. It is originally developed in the 1970s, and it significantly enhances handling of the vehicle.

Exterior Redesign

The design has never been one of the strongest advantages of the WRX STI. It looks attractive, but a little bit outdated. It seems like the concept hasn’t been changed much since the release of Colin McRae Rally 2. The 2018 Subaru WRX STI looks almost completely identical to the previous model. There are only several modifications which give it a sportier appearance. The focus of changes was on the front part. The front fascia is getting new upper grille with large hexagonal openings while air intakes seem larger than on the previous model.

The previous models were equipped with C-shaped LED daytime running lights, but 2018 won’t continue that tradition. The four-door sedan will take headlights after Subaru Viziv GT Vision. Wheels are huge but not larger than before. The Japanese automaker decided to keep the 19-inch wheels. If you take a close look, you’ll notice yellow Brembo calipers which are subtle, but still a significant improvement.

Although there are a few refreshments, Subaru must invest more time and energy in redesigning this model. Another solution is to introduce a hatchback or even a wagon body style to refresh the lineup. One way or another some things must be changed when it comes to the design of the Japanese four-door sedan.

Exterior Dimensions/Inches

Length	181
Wheelbase	104.3
Width/Height	71/58

2018 Subaru WRX STI Interior Review

The cabin follows the exterior which means there are some refreshments, but it will more or less stay the same. The dual infotainment system is one of those things which won’t be changed. Steering wheel will get a flat bottom and will come with STI badge. The gauge cluster is also refreshed with new colors. Along with standard trim level, Recaro seats will be offered. They are optional for the base model and come with STI Limited as standard.

The back of the interior of the 2018 Subaru WRX STI will get new armrests equipped with cup holders. The noise is on its minimum since door sealing has been improved. They made a few noticeable changes, but nothing big. We can just hope they have something in mind and will add several more modifications next year.

Interior Dimensions/Inches/Cubic foot

Rivals

The 2018 Subaru WRX STI has two main rivals – Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R. All of them are similar in size, but the main difference lies under the hood. The least powerful is Golf R which comes with a 2.0-liter four cylinder. The 2.0-liter delivers 13 horsepower less than the WRX STI and 58 horsepower less than Ford Focus RS. Focus RS is the most powerful among these three with its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. However, it is still slower than Subaru’s sedan for 0.1 seconds. All three of them are mated to six-speed manual transmission and have decent fuel economy with Focus RS being on top.

2018 Subaru WRX STI Release Date 

The price of the 2018 Subaru WRX STI is estimated at $36,000. This means it will cost almost the same as its rivals. The price of the Golf R is close to $40,000 which seems too much although it has outstanding fuel economy. On the other hand, the Focus RS should have the same price as the Japanese sedan. The WRX STI is worth every penny, but we must point out the fact Subaru hasn’t changed much in the last several years. They are not giving us the reason why should we buy a new one while we can buy the old version for the less amount of money.

New WRX STI was presented at the 2017 NAIAS, and all that is left now is to wait for its appearance in dealerships. Officials from Japanese manufacturer have announced that you will be able to buy this model in the first months of this spring. So, stay put and look out for 2018 Subaru WRX STI to appear in your local Subaru dealership. In conclusion, they must redesign this vehicle to stay competent on the market.

For more, check here https://gmbbodyforum.com/best-cold-air-intake-for-subaru-wrx/

Price
Golf R	$40,000
Focus RS	$36,800
Subaru WRX STI	$36,000