The next Subaru WRX STI could be electric

According to a recent press release, the next Subaru WRX STI could be electric. Subaru has said it will not produce the next generation of the STI on the new WRX platform, as fans had anticipated. Instead, it will scope out alternative paths, including the vehicle's electrification.

The WRX STI is Subaru's flagship performance car. Subaru confirmed that it would continue to use the STI brand in future vehicles, as showcased with the recent STI E-RA concept car at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

The company explained that it had decided to explore new opportunities to help it to meet the regulations and requirements for greenhouse gasses, zero-emissions vehicles and Corporate Average Fuel Economy.

Road and Track reported that Subaru's Director of Corporate Communications, Dominick Infante, said that a new STI "would have a very limited shelf life". They went on to explain that "the regulations are changing so quickly that it kind of wouldn't make any sense."

The Solterra will be Subaru's first EV to go on sale, due to be released later this year. There will be both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models available. Each version will have a 71.4 kWh battery up to 340 miles (~547 km) of range.

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