The Subaru WRX STI has long been a titan of the rally-bred performance car world, commanding respect with its legendary all-wheel-drive system, raw power, and unmistakable exhaust note. When Subaru discontinued the STI in 2022 to evaluate the future of performance in an increasingly electrified market, enthusiasts were left wondering if the iconic badge was gone forever. However, recent reports and patent filings suggest a triumphant return: the 2027 Subaru WRX STI is on the horizon, and it promises to bring back the raw, analog driving experience that fans have been craving.
Here is a detailed look at what we know so far about the highly anticipated 2027 Subaru WRX STI.
2027 WRX STI
Perhaps the most exciting news for long-time Subaru fans is the expected return of the hatchback body style. Heavily inspired by the STI-B Concept (also referred to as the Performance-B Concept) showcased at the Japan Mobility Show, the new STI is rumored to embrace a bold, aggressive hot hatch design.
Recent design patents filed by Subaru reveal a production-ready silhouette that stays true to the concept. Expect a menacing wide-body kit, functional aerodynamic vents, a large rear wing, and a prominent rear diffuser. The aggressive stance will be complemented by forged BBS wheels wrapped in sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires, signaling that this car is built for the track just as much as it is for the street.
Expected Dimensions:
- Length: 177.16 inches (4,500 mm)
- Width: 72.83 inches (1,850 mm)
- Height: 57.08 inches (1,450 mm)
- Wheelbase: 105.31 inches (2,675 mm)
Powertrain: The FA24 Gets Dialed Up
Under the hood, the 2027 STI is expected to ditch the old EJ-series engine in favor of a highly tuned version of the FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine, currently found in the standard WRX.
While the base WRX produces 271 horsepower, the STI variant is expected to receive a larger intercooler, an upgraded turbocharger, and more aggressive ECU mapping. Reports from Japanese automotive outlets suggest the output will be bumped up to roughly 300 metric horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
While a 300-hp figure might seem modest in a world where modern hot hatches are pushing close to 400 hp, the STI’s legendary power delivery and grip will likely make it significantly quicker than its standard WRX sibling, which already hits 60 mph in the mid-5-second range.
Return of Manual Transmission
In a massive win for driving purists, Subaru’s official Japanese website has teased that upcoming high-performance models will utilize the TY85 six-speed manual transmission. This is the exact same bulletproof gearbox used in the previous generation WRX STI.
Famous for its durability and ability to handle high-horsepower modifications, the revival of the TY85 transmission hints that Subaru is well aware of its tuning-happy demographic. Furthermore, if Subaru pairs this transmission with the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) that made previous STIs so capable on loose surfaces, the new STI could once again become the undisputed king of all-weather grip.
Chassis, Handling, and Weight
Modern safety and emissions regulations mean that cars are inevitably getting heavier, and the 2027 STI is no exception. The new model is expected to tip the scales at around 3,527 pounds (1,600 kg). While this is a slight weight gain compared to older generations, it is only marginally heavier than the current standard WRX, which is an engineering achievement in itself.
To manage that weight, the STI will reportedly feature six-piston Brembo brakes at the front for immense stopping power. Additionally, taking cues from the current WRX GT and tS trims, the 2027 STI is highly likely to feature an advanced electrically-controlled adaptive damper system, allowing drivers to switch between comfortable daily driving and stiff, track-ready suspension setups at the push of a button.
The Competitive Landscape
When the 2027 WRX STI hits the streets, it will enter a fiercely competitive hot hatch segment. It will go head-to-head with heavyweights like the Toyota GR Corolla, Volkswagen Golf R, and the Honda Civic Type R.
While pricing for global markets has yet to be finalized, Japanese sources estimate a price tag of between 4.0 and 5.0 million Yen (roughly translating to the mid-$30,000 to low-$40,000 range in US dollars, though import pricing will likely be higher). To succeed, Subaru will need to price the STI competitively against the GR Corolla and Civic Type R while leaning heavily into the analog, rally-bred nostalgia that those competitors cannot quite replicate.
The 2027 Subaru WRX STI seems poised to be a return to form—a loud, manual, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive love letter to the era of internal combustion.
