[gearhead]

Chess move or something Toyota had planned all along without prior knowledge?

Did Subaru's Decision To Axe WRX STI Plans Have Anything To Do With Toyota's GR Corolla? | Carscoops

People have been crying out for an STI version of the WRX - but it seems that the same customers may have to make do with the new GR Corolla

www.carscoops.com

"We won’t know for sure until we drive it, but the new Toyota GR Corolla looks like it’s going to be a formidable weapon. It makes great power, has an advanced AWD system, and still maintains the lesser versions’ practicality. Now we’re wondering if its arrival has something to do with Subaru axing the WRX STI.

As a longtime WRX owner, there was always one big thing that bugged me about the brand in general. My modified 2002 Bugeye could hang with even some of the newest STIs because despite being much newer, Subaru really never innovated once the WRX and its hot sibling, the STI, arrived.

Sure, the new WRX is more refined than the outgoing generation but it’s quite telling that it has nearly identical power numbers. Then there’s the fact that the top trim level is only available with a CVT. And then, of course, Subaru publicly came out and put down any hope for a new STI like it was an unwanted puppy."

 

[Jeonsa]

A lot of WRX people think the cancellation came from Toyota, in reality an exec said it was due to emissions.

Theres some rumor floating around that the new STi will be a hybrid, but who knows.

 

[Taroroot]

The GRC has been in the works pretty much from when the GR Yaris came out, that was two years ago.

 

[Ari Speed]

Oh god, please don't pour more fuel into this silly conspiracy theory, there's too much nonsense going on in this world already.

 

[Wynorrific]

The decision did not come from Toyota. They've said the GRY and GRC were basically in development at the same times which was long before Subaru said to cancel the STi. Subaru had something planned for the STi as a ICE car but with deadlines fast approaching and CAFE laws getting more strict, the STi just wouldn't be feasible. Toyota actually would've wanted Subaru to keep making the STi. I believe Akio said he'd love for Subaru to get back into WRC so they can have a nice brotherly competition(like the Type R and GRC are going to have in the markets). Competition drives each company to do better and I bet they would've loved a nice 3-way competition of Japanese performance cars based on their commuter cars

 

[ryno9100]

I feel it was likely, as Jeonsa said, emissions. I also think it was just time to refresh the WRX line altogether, but with the push to go EV, they didn't want to invest in a new ICE STI that wouldn't sell for long enough to see ROI on the line. I imagine they have to sell a lot of STIs to make their money back on them.

 

[Wynorrific]

Subaru has a very small lineup world wide with not many engines. A new STi would have a huge impact on their CAFE standards in every market in a negative way

 

[Jeonsa]

Subaru has a very small lineup world wide with not many engines. A new STi would have a huge impact on their CAFE standards in every market in a negative way

Exactly. When you told me why it got cancelled originally it clicked in my head. Mazda would be in the same boat if they didn’t do Skyactiv.

 

[Wynorrific]

I'm interested to see if they do full EV or hybrid STi. Maybe Toyota will push them to a Hydrogen Boxer 😂

 

[ryno9100]

I'm interested to see if they do full EV or hybrid STi. Maybe Toyota will push them to a Hydrogen Boxer 😂

Now a hydrogen boxer would be cool to see. I couldn't own one, because Alabama will be one of the last states to invest in hydrogen, but I'd love to see them.

 

[Pre]

Subaru has a very small lineup world wide with not many engines. A new STi would have a huge impact on their CAFE standards in every market in a negative way

This right here. Subaru also isn't real good with MPG's. I mean you have models out there from other manus running 100+ more HP than the STi with better CAFE ratings. Subaru just isn't very good in the engine development department. Toyota and Yamaha, are, however.