A new rumor surrounding the Subaru WRX STI suggests the car may receive hybrid powertrains in the near future. According to Motoring, an Australian automotive source, the company is currently in the process of developing two new hybrid powertrains that could find their way onto the WRX STI, lowering its emissions and improving its overall fuel economy which will benefit drivers.
If rumors circulating prove to be true, a future version of the WRX STI could come equipped with a revised version of the 2.0L turbocharged engine currently found on the car, six-speed gearbox and an electric motor that would power the rear axle. With this setup, the WRX STI could deliver 322 horsepower, which is better than the current setup that outputs 305 horsepower. In addition to this hybrid system, the model could also eventually be offered as a plug-in hybrid which could debut in 2018. According to Motoring, the plug-in hybrid system is also currently in development and would further improve the WRX STI model's fuel economy offerings.
On top of this recent news, the Subaru WRX STI is also said to be offered as a sedan once again when it arrives in 2017. It will also share its underpinnings with the Subaru Impreza.
