Detroit 2014: Subaru USA launches all-new WRX STI

Contrary to its rumored demise, the WRX STI has been launched once again, in all-new model form at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. As before, the new STI WRX will be powered by a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine turbocharged to produce 305hp.

The all-new chassis is a four-dour wide-body design, with stiffened platform for reportedly improved handling. Steering is also faster, with a 13:1 ratio. Helping to keep the car on the road are torque vectoring with adjustable differential, multi-mode stability control, Brembo brakes with ABS, and of course all-wheel drive.

Inside is an Alcantara-trimmed interior with red accents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and, should you wish to pump out some tunes, a Harman/kardon audio system.

The STI will be exclusively available in sedan form. It features a “nose-cone” grille and bumper cap made from aluminum, LED headlamps, unique fenders, doors and quarter panels, and of course the infamous intercooler hood scoop.

More high-tensile steel in the chassis and a quicker steering ratio at 2.5 turns lock to lock (versus 3.8 for the standard WRX) will hopefully translate to more entertaining handling. Standard 18-inch wheels with 245/40 R18 summer tires will be at the corners, with the Launch Edition and Limited models riding on BBS forged aluminum wheels.

The engine will pump out 305hp and 393Nm to a six-speed manual transmission, with a short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. The center differential splits the torque 41:59 front rear, with ability to send the torque to either axle via limited-split center differential. The rear differential is also limited slip using the Torsen system. The center differential has six driver-selectable levels of lock.

The all-new WRX is expected to make its way to the Philippines soon, perhaps in time for the Manila International Auto Show on April 3, 2014.