It's back, refreshed for the model year to combat upstarts like the Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R, and Volkswagen Golf R, and better than ever. The global consumer authority calls it "everyone’s favorite stock rally car" ... "the epitome of pro handling on almost any road." But what makes the new 2018 WRX STI tick?
A: WRX STI Type RA NBR Special, clocking a lap time of 6:57.5, fastest ever for a sedan!
— Subaru (@subaru_usa) July 21, 2017
More info on STI Type RA: https://t.co/CiPUrC2oam pic.twitter.com/pzie3DuaUR
Below specialized STI badging flanking a newly modified front bumper and lower grille, there's more than a few upgrades for one's inner Formula 1 racer. The new WRX STI from Subaru lives up to its "Confidence in Motion" credo for 2018, sporting not only a more powerful 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, weighing in at a laudable 305 horsepower. US News & World Report documents the promise of precision handling and cornering reined in by new 19-inch wheels as well as standard Brembo brakes in striking yellow. What's more, with a stiffer suspension, there's prospects for the full adrenalized thrill-ride, brought under control across diverse terrain and through inclement weather by all-wheel drive that now comes standard.
Down below, you'll find a high-quality, ultrasuede and leather-trimmed interior to relax the drive, with Recaro seats optional, but standard with graduation to 2018 WRX STI Limited. With the comfort afforded by dual-zone automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch gauge display for metrics at a glance, a six-way manual driver’s seat adjustment, and a leather-wrapped shifter, your excursion becomes a mere matter of setting course. Count on a ride just as peaceful along the way, too, thanks to a frame ensconced in improved insulation to reduce exterior noise.
But sometimes one likes to make a little noise of his or her own, especially when it comes to the jams that make a performance drive. To that end, US News & World Report thinks you'll be well equipped.
The new WRX STI showcases a six-speaker audio system accommodating a 7-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Pandora, iHeart Radio, and Aha compatibility, offering plenty of listening options. Bring your smartphone or Apple iPod along, and you can plug in via the sports car's a USB port and hit the road. Steering-responsive LED headlights are now standard for that duration, so improved visibility when cornering's the order of the day – and night. Plus, brackets for an optional roof rack make the new WRX STI a seasoned traveler ready to take along gear for your outing.
Keep a lookout for a limited minting of Subaru WRX STI Type RA sportsters in early 2018, the likes of which just set a 6-minute, 57.5-second lap record on the Nurburgring circuit. Plus, rumors abound about a redesigned Subaru WRX and WRX STI coming in 2020, with an even newer engine and a bevy of design improvements. Until then, you'll have to cut quite the sports car figure behind the wheel of a new 2018 Subaru WRX. Stop by and visit us here at Peninsula Subaru, 3888 W. State Highway 16 in Bremerton, and we'll get you set up for a spin!
