2018 Subaru WRX STI: Improved Looks, Enhanced Performance and Greater Comfort

2018 Subaru WRX STI (CNW Group/Subaru Canada Inc.)

• Sporty design updates to both the interior and exterior
• Improved drivability, comfort and strength
• Enhanced performance with increased stability and new Brembo brakes

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce that the 2018 WRX STI will be available in Subaru dealerships across Canada early this summer. For 2018, Subaru's sports sedan that delivers pure power has received a major refresh, with updated looks, improved usability both inside and outside, and enhancements for better performance.

Pure Driving Excitement

Powered by a 305-horsepower 2.5-litre turbocharged high performance SUBARU BOXER engine with high-capacity intercooler, the drivability of the 2018 WRX STI is assured by a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission and the Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive system with a revised multi-mode driver controlled centre differential.

The Subaru WRX STI employs an Active Torque Vectoring system that supplements the AWD system for improved cornering and more precise handling. Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control provides a precise and enjoyable driving experience.

New Features and Amenities

The 2018 Subaru WRX STI is offered in four trim levels: the WRX STI, WRX STI Sport, WRX STI Sport-tech with Wing Spoiler and WRX STI Sport-tech with new Lip Spoiler. For the 2018 model year, all WRX STI models have received several driving improvements, including revised suspension tuning and better noise reduction throughout the cabin. The WRX STI comes with a larger capacity battery, revised front bumper, revised door trim, an updated front grille with new lower grille bezel featuring air intakes, and a new roof bracket. On the inside, all trims include updated instrument panel and centre console trims, a new fold-down centre rear armrest with cup holders, red seatbelts, a revised gauge cluster, and a new 5.9-inch high-resolution colour multi-function display with new menu screens. When it comes to driving, the 2018 WRX STI trims all come with new Brembo performance brakes with 6-piston front calipers, 2-piston rear calipers, and cross-drilled rotors, as well as steering-responsive headlights that improve cornering visibility by turning the direction of the lights to match the vehicle's direction, and LED low and high beams.

The WRX STI Sport trim now features 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver's seat, and wiper-activated automatic headlights. Fog lights have been removed to allow for the additional air intakes.

The WRX STI Sport-tech with Wing or Lip Spoiler comes with 8-way power driver's seat, leather and Ultrasuede Recaro performance front seats, new StarLink apps such as Yelp, Best Parking, and Glympse, as well as Subaru's iconic trunk wing spoiler or newly available lip spoiler.

Model Overview

Trim: WRX STI (6-speed manual)

Price: $39,495

Engine: 2.5L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder high-pressure turbocharged and intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Features:

Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive; Brembo high-performance brake system with cross-drilled rotors; 340 x 30 mm six-piston caliper ventilated front disc brakes; 326 x 20 mm dual-piston caliper ventilated rear disc brakes; driver and front passenger front and side-impact airbags; side curtain airbags; driver's side knee airbag; whiplash-reducing design front performance seats with height- and tilt-adjustable head restraints; engine immobilizer system and anti-theft security system; 18-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels; quad-tip high-performance exhaust; windshield wiper de-icer; integrated roof rack brackets; automatic dual zone climate control; 5.9-inch colour multi-function display with centre-console mounted control (boost gauge, fuel data, eco-guide, vehicle dynamics monitor, clock, outside temperature, maintenance reminder, customizable settings); AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with 6.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, STARLINK smartphone integration (including Aha radio), USB port/iPod control, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel-integrated controls; Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice activation and steering wheel-mounted controls; Sirius Satellite Radio installed (3-month trial subscription included); 3-spoke flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and audio, Bluetooth and cruise control switches; one-touch turn signals; fold-down rear centre armrest with integrated cup holders; steering-responsive LED low- and high-beam headlights

Trim: WRX STI Sport (6-speed manual)

Price: $41,795

Engine: 2.5L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder high-pressure turbocharged and intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Features (in addition to WRX STI):

New 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels; Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection System (SRVD); wiper-activated headlights, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat; welcome lighting; automatic headlights; large rear spoiler; power-tilting and sliding glass sunroof

Trim: WRX STI Sport-tech with Wing Spoiler or Lip Spoiler (6-speed manual)

Price: $46,595

Engine: 2.5L horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder high-pressure turbocharged and intercooled SUBARU BOXER engine

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Features (in addition to WRX STI Sport):

Ultrasuede and leather Recaro performance front seats; 8-way power adjustable driver's seat; proximity key with push-button start; Harman Kardon 440-watt amplifier and premium 9-speaker system; MirrorLink compatibility; new StarLink apps added: Yelp, Best Parking and Glympse; 7-inch infotainment system with navigation; Siri Eyes Free compatible; dual USB port/iPod control; SMS text messaging capability

About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 92 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @SubaruCanada on Twitter.

SOURCE Subaru Canada Inc.

Julie Lychak, [phone], [email protected]; Naomi Kislanski, [phone], [email protected]; Sebastien Lajoie, Media Relations, Quebec Region, [phone], [email protected]