Hey, kiddos! It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that, unlike the Fast and Furious Franchise, my passion blog is coming to an end in just a few hundred words. I had a hard time picking what the last vehicle would have the pleasure of being the final blog subject. After several coin-flips, texting my dad, settling on a car, and then changing my mind like 20 twenty times, I made my decision. I then scratched it entirely. But now I have come to the final decision. And since I’ve already written 100 words, I can’t turn back now.
Weighing in at $38,170 with 305 horsepower, 6-speed manual transmission, and one badass spoiler, we have the 2021 Subaru WRX STI. I know that I threw a lot of letters at you, so here’s a brief rundown. Subaru developed WRX in the early 1990s as a competitive model in World Rallycross racing championships. WRX stands for “World Rally eXperimental”. It can also just stand for “World Rallycross” where the “X” represents the “cross” part. Early versions of WRX Subarus were designed with stiffer suspensions, all-wheel drive, and turbocharged straight-four cylinder engine. In theory, they were the perfect rallying car.
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The STI model of the Subaru WRX was developed in 1994 by Subaru Tecnica International (hence the STI). Subaru Tecnica International is the motorsport specialist division of the corporation. The idea behind the STI models is to make them more powerful and high-performance by giving them a complete upgraded suspension, six-speed manual transmission, driver-controlled center differential, turbocharged engines, and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels. These models also get fancy STI decals everywhere.
Now that you know what the acronyms stand for, let me give you more background on rallycross. Rallycross is a style of automobile racing where racers compete in an all-out sprint on a mixed-media closed circuit. It’s racing in modified road cars on a track with various types of terrain (ie. dirt, gravel, sand). Just to summarize the previous two paragraphs, the Subaru WRX STI is a car designed for the road and daily use, but with the intention that people can modify it to become an unconventional racer.
Okay, that was all the fun background stuff… now back to the hard facts of the Subaru WRX STI.
There have been rumors about 2022 and 2023 models releasing soon, but with no confirmation, 2021 is the most updated version. If I’m being honest, there isn’t a ton of super cool design information that I can throw at you this time. But this Subie has always had a special place in my heart. Every time I see one, I snag a picture and send it to my dad. Although I’ve never owned a WRX STI, I’ve been behind the wheel of a few, and it is my top racing choice in GT Sport. This car is fairly common on the road and is easily spotted by its exterior design. Like several other cars I’ve blogged about, this car is pretty much only offered as a manual transmission, so learning how to drive one is at the top of my bucket list.
This car has humble origins, which is clear from its basic interior. I just recently sat in one at the Philly Car Show over spring break, and I can say that it is not the most luxurious interior. I’d say it needs an upgrade, especially if it wants to keep up with its competitors. On the other hand, the exterior design, in my opinion, is still unrivaled with its “coolness” factor. One of my favorite features of the WRX is its hood scoop, which is stock for all models. The hood scoop is that raised vent-looking thing on the front of the car. The purpose is to allow direct airflow to the engine, typically cooler air. Not all hood scoops you see on the road are functional though. There are a handful of people who add hood scoops for cosmetic appeal. The Subaru WRX STI hood scoop, however, is both functional and aesthetic. My other favorite feature of the WRX STI model specifically, is the spoiler (which I have already referred to twice before now). The STI comes with a massive, showy, and truthfully, probably unnecessary accessory on its trunk. In case you’re unaware of what a spoiler is, it’s an aerodynamic device intended to disrupt unfavorable turbulence or drag on the body of the vehicle. It supposedly makes the car glide through the air more smoothly, making it faster and more efficient. How effective is a spoiler? That I’m not so sure. Nevertheless, I think they look sick. The STI in particular has a high-profile wing that is unmistakable.
If you’re looking for a fun car at a reasonable price, look no further. After you get past the noisy engine and bare-bones interior, this is a loveable car that can take a beating. It’s also not bad for showing off if that’s your thing.
As always… a summary of the specs!
BASE PRICE: $38,170
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 150 cu in, 2457 cc
Power: 305 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 180.9 in
Width: 70.7 in Height: 58.1 in
Passenger volume: 97 cu ft
Trunk volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 3451 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.0 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 26.1 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.0 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 12.3 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 9.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.8 sec @ 102 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 159 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 158 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined/city/highway: 19/17/22 mpg
While I’ve never really been interested in cars and their details, it was pretty interesting to read about them. In my mind, as long as the car drives, it’s good for me! It’s nice to see that you are able to connect with your dad about cars and even send him photos of the cars you pass. Like I said, I’m not well versed in cars but this one seems pretty cool!
I don’t know a lot about cars, but I found this post super fascinating! I love hearing people talk about their passions, and you can tell you really like this car. Although the “specs” mean nothing to me because I don’t know a lot, your paragraphs describing the car were super clear and fun to read. I think this is a really interesting car and I can see why you picked it for your final post.
I have to admit I have never really been super into cars, much to my dad’s and sister’s dismay. We are a stick shift family, much to my dismay as I am a little rusty with it. But reading your blog made me feel like I was back at home listening to them go on about different cars. I have to admit though, your post was much easier to understand (even for someone with little car knowledge). My mentality is as long as it gets me where I need to go, I’m good with it. However, the WRX piqued my interest. I like that it can be used for everyday driving, but can be modified for more. Also that you said what you did and didn’t like about the car, so we get a full understanding of every aspect.
So much detail my goodness! So much description and illustrating with them, so many pictures, and all of those stats at the end! You make these really complex cars seem much more simple for the average reader and make them seem really enticing. Great post and can’t wait to see the next car you blog about!