To: Mr. Tomomi Nakamura, Chairman and CEO, Subaru Corporation, Japan

From: Concerned Automotive Journalists, Content Creators & Enthusiasts

22 March 2022

Honourable Sir,

We recently learned of Subaru’s decision to not launch an STI version of the VB-generation WRX because, “as the automotive marketplace continues to move towards electrification, Subaru is focused on how our future sports and performance cars should evolve to meet the needs of the changing marketplace and the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses (GHG), zero emissions vehicles (ZEV), and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ). 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.”

With the automotive world moving toward electrification, we comprehend Subaru’s decision with heavy hearts. However, and with respect, we also feel that this time period is the perfect opportunity for one last hurrah for the hallowed Subaru WRX STI fully-powered by a turbocharged internal-combustion engine (ICE).

The VA-generation STI has cemented its place in history as the last STI with the venerable turbocharged EJ-series engine, one that’s well-known for its famous and characterful boxer burble that has also solidified its place in the ears, minds, hearts and souls of Subaru-enthusiasts specifically and automotive-enthusiasts at-large worldwide.

The current WRX sports the new FA24DIT boxer-4 engine. We believe with Subaru Technica International’s expertise being bestowed upon the FA24DIT for that one final hurrah, a truly memorable VB-generation can be produced to give the petrol-powered STI a brilliant send-off, hopefully with at least 350hp from the showroom floor.

You may be aware that manufacturers such as Porsche have collaborated with Siemens to develop e-fuel, a synthetic petrol that promises a lower environmental impact than even EVs. With developments such as this in mind, maintaining the continuous development and production of ICE drivetrains may eventually turn out to be beneficial for Subaru.

Perhaps the ICE STI line may be considered as a very small output outfit? The strong secondary market for cars from the 1990s and early 2000s is a big indicator that there is still a big demand for these cars.

Therefore, we respectfully request that Subaru Corporation’s decision be reconsidered in favour of an FA24DIT-based VB-generation STI. One last hurrah not just for the STI, but for all petrolheads worldwide.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Truly,
Joel Tam
Sheldon Trollope
Jonathan Lim
Vivek Max R
Ignition Labs / Burnpavement / AutoApp