http://finance.yahoo.com/news/subaru-bu ... 51874.html
Subaru is finally getting serious about transforming its STI division into a full-fledged, performance-focused sub-brand. STI boss Yoshio Hirakawa recently revealed that the Japanese automaker has approved both the development of at least three stand-alone STI models, and the launch of a long list of aftermarket parts for virtually all current members of its lineup.
Speaking to Australian website Motoring, Hirakawa explained the next STI-badged model will most likely be a faster version of the Legacy sedan. The executive stopped short of revealing precisely what will lie under the hood, but he hinted that a turbocharged evolution of the stock model’s 2.5-liter flat-four engine is a likely possibility. However, an STI-tuned version of the Legacy-based Outback wagon has been categorically ruled out.
The Levorg that’s sold in a handful of global markets — including Japan and Europe — will also receive the STI treatment. Since it’s based on the WRX, it’s not too far-fetched to speculate that the sportier version of Subaru’s smallest wagon will get a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine tuned to make 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine will be plucked straight from the WRX STI (pictured) parts bin.
Surprisingly, Hirakawa admitted that STI is developing a more powerful version of the BRZ, a slow-selling coupe that’s also sold as the Scion FR-S. While Subaru can’t equip the BRZ with a regular, exhaust-driven turbocharger due to space constraints, the automaker’s engineers are looking at fitting the four-cylinder engine with a state-of-the-art electric turbocharger that’s a lot more compact. The technology is under study, but it hasn’t been given the green light for production yet.
Hirakawa explains that STI-badged cars need more than a few extra ponies under the hood. Moving forward, all STI models will get thorough suspension upgrades designed to noticeably improve handling, brake modifications and a better-sounding exhaust system. Additionally, his team is working hard to ensure Subaru’s CVT transmission is up to the task of powering a model that has been massaged by STI.
“I want [the CVT] to feel more like a manual gearbox. It should launch faster and have a more positive shift feel,” said Hirakawa.
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