The 2015 Subaru WRX STI has been revealed at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show. The flagship performance model will offer scintillating performance while still retaining elements of practicality. Coupled with its outrageous looks, the Subaru WRX STI looks to carry the legendary name with pride.

Subaru also took the time to show off the WRX STI Launch Edition, seen in the gallery below. This unit is mechanically identical to the STIs South Africa will get, the only difference being the World Rally Blue paint, gold BBS alloy wheels and interior trim.

Engine and handling

Powering the latest version of the WRX STI is a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four engine with 224 kW and 393 Nm. Performance in a straight line will be brisk, with the 0-100km/h sprint dispatched in under five seconds. However Subarus have always been about the handling and cornering ability. The latest WRX STI will still be a track demon, thanks to all-wheel drive and rally-pedigree parts such as a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and a faster steering ratio.

The handling technology doesn’t stop there as the electronics wizards have also had a hand in ensuring the new Subaru WRX STI corners exceptionally well. There’s an all-new Active Torque Vectoring system, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control as well as the Multi-Mode Drive Controlled Centre Differential, which enables the driver to spread the power bias to either the front or the back wheels. Brembo brakes with Super Sport ABS are fitted as standard.

Interior and features

Inside the 2015 WRX STI there’s plenty of Alcantara leather with red stitching. Subaru claims the cabin is more spacious than its predecessor. There’s a new flat-bottom steering wheel, with new whiplash-reducing front racing seats. For the first time, there’s a Harmon Kardon premium audio system available.

The 2015 WRX STI carries its bold personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for the upgraded and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a motorsports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new user technologies include, for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon® premium audio system.

Standard features includedual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

Subaru South Africa has confirmed the WRX sedan will be here early in June, with the fearsome WRX STI following at a later stage. Sadly the Launch Edition will be for the US market only.

Subaru WRX STI Video

Subaru WRX STI Photo Gallery