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Upcoming Subaru WRX STI rumored to get hybrid drivetrain

Subaru might electrify the next-gen WRX STI. According to a rumor from Motoring in Australia citing an unnamed Subie insider, the brand's engineers reportedly have two hybrid systems under development for the future model. The move would allow the STI to boost power output and improve fuel economy and lower emissions to keep up with US regulations. According to Motoring's speculation, the next STI might use an electric motor at the back to power the rear axle and an upgraded version of the FA20 turbocharged 2.0-liter at the front. A new dual-clutch six-speed gearbox would help the power get to the road, and the total system could allegedly offer around 322 horsepower versus 305 hp from the current US model. This rumor also claims the next-gen STI would continue as a sedan when it arrives in 2017. Like previous iterations, the four-door will share underpinnings with the Impreza, which will mean a move to Subaru's new modular platform. The standard hybrid might only be the beginning of electrification for the future STI. Motoring's source also claims the company has a plug-in hybrid variant under development, but it might not debut until the 2018 Tokyo Motor Show. A hybrid STI could be exciting, but until there are solid facts, this rumor joins a long history of powertrain speculation about the high-performance Subaru. In 2008 and 2010, reports emerged about a diesel version, but it never appeared. We once even heard that the current-gen WRX might boast an electric turbo.

Travis Pastrana's new Gymkhana Subaru billed as 'wildest WRX STI ever'

This black Subaru WRX STI is going to be the next fireball of a racecar to be featured in Hoonigan’s Gymkhana video series. ItÂ’s billed as the “wildest WRX STI ever” by Subaru, and weÂ’re not going to argue with that claim. Just look at it. The raw carbon body looks like an actual cheese grater. You could throw a whole chicken at the front fender as it drives by and end up with shredded BBQ. Its hood-exit flame-spitting exhaust will even give the bird a nice char as it passes over the front of the car. And no, we canÂ’t see any flames in the photos here, but Subaru promises that it does produce fire. The wacky aero was apparently developed in a wind tunnel. And if you havenÂ’t guessed by now, this car was designed with zero restrictions for anything. ItÂ’s not competing in any competition, so everything was optimized for the best possible performance. ItÂ’s packing a custom-made boxer engine, but Subaru isnÂ’t providing any numbers for us yet. We can guarantee that itÂ’s making bonkers power, through, as the extra smoky photos would suggest. The car also has a long travel suspension and “race-ready interior.” Travis Pastrana will be behind the wheel in this 2020 Gymkhana series that is promised to be even bigger and better than the Gymkhana videos before it. PastranaÂ’s history of rally and rallycross driving should help him provide the same level of entertainment that Ken Block provided in Subarus of the past.   This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Travis PastranaÂ’s NEW Subaru STI Gymkhana Car: First Ever Tire Test (In All Raw Carbon!) “This STI is unbelievable!” Travis Pastrana, said. “WeÂ’ve never had the opportunity to do this before, to build a car with no restrictions. Engine, suspension, aero — everything is unlimited, clean sheet. ItÂ’s crazy fast, easy to control and get sideways and it was perfect out of the box in testing. Gymkhana is a new challenge for me but I want to raise the bar, and this is the car to do it.” The car itself is a collaboration between Subaru and partner Vermont SportsCar. It did start as a production STI, but it looks nothing like it now. WeÂ’re hoping to learn more about the car soon — new Gymkhana videos canÂ’t come soon enough. Related Video:

2016 Subaru BRZ gets new touchscreen, lower price

Subaru is freshening up its lovable BRZ coupe for 2016, adding a spate of new options and tweaking the price ever so slightly. On the options front, the rear-driver gets a new 6.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system. Like the current car's standard 6.1-inch affair, it offers AM/FM/HD radio, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The new system will also play nice with your smartphone, adding integration for Aha, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, and a few other more mundane, everyday apps, adding weather and news features. A rear-view camera will also come standard. While the new infotainment system is added across the range, it's the only real change happening for 2016. The Limited trim remains identical to the 2015, offering owners an Alcantara trimmed cabin, with suede and leather seat accents and keyless access, while the car's exterior gets a body-color spoiler and fog lights. Dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and heated mirrors also come standard on the up-market trim. Despite the new 6.2-inch display, Subaru has actually cut prices by $300 on both versions of its two-door model for 2016. The base model kicks off at $26,190, while the Limited rings up at $28,190. Fans of the BRZ's six-speed automatic Philistines can get a two-pedal BRZ for $29,290, which includes the Limited trim equipment. Read on for the official press release, direct from Subaru. Related Video: SUBARU ANNOUNCES PRICING ON 2016 BRZ® MODELS SUBARU STARLINK™6.2"Multimedia System standard across all lines Priced $300 lower than previous model year Rear Vision Camera now standard Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2016 BRZ line. Starting at $25,395, the BRZ, powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, marks a return to the fundamentals of sports car design, emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. Available in Premium or Limited trim, BRZ models boast performance features, such as the sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential. For 2016, the BRZ receives the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2" Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack.