2018 WRX/STI Refresh
 

Official release from Subaru

http://media.subaru.com/newsrelease.do?id=1067&mid=1


Highlights:

-Revised front styling for a more aggressive look
-Suspension optimized for better handling and ride comfort
-New 19-inch wheels, upgraded 6 piston Brembo® brakes and revised DCCD All-Wheel Drive give WRX STI wider performance envelope
-New available Recaro® power seats
-Performance Package option for WRX models
-New EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology safety features
-Upgraded interior materials and quieter cabin

Fluff.

Wonder what's the problem with a 300hp FA20 in North America.

Maybe Subaru still hasn't quite nailed down their DI...

Looks nice. Sounds heavy though

IF we get an FA20 powered STI here, I suspect it won't be until the 2020 MY car. That's just speculation though.

^^ Concur

I'm still waiting for the WRX hatchback :bonk:

How is this a performance improvement? Especially when the tires are still 245's.
It isn't difficult to have a more aggressive stance when the previous year's wheels had a +55 offset.

Isn't the "next generation" due in 2020? Also would be nice to see how hard Subaru can push the FA20.

Hey, the 18 has back seat cup holders and "faster" trunk opening isn't that close enough?

EJ motor = do not want.

Agreed. I'm not a fan of the 19s, but I am a fan of the larger brakes. I hope 19s aren't required to clear the calipers.

Yes. I'll continue to remain skeptical until I see the FA is capable of holding higher power levels reliably. I'm not caught up on numbers, but I'd be totally content with just a small bump to say 320hp or so. Gimme that with forged internals and a CF roof and driveshaft, and I'd probably trade mine in a heartbeat.

I have little faith though :lol:

I'll take the EJ over the FA20DIT any day of the week.

*sales performance

296hp/295 ft-lbs in JDM for the past ~4 years.
Wiki only lists the Legacy and Levorg, but I'm positive it's in the STI as well, just can't find a nice source.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._engines#FA20F

Too lazy to find something better so here's MotorAuthority claiming 305/311

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ype-s-in-japan

320 is a proper number. Don't need to be some dyno queen like the RS. I mean, when I build my FRS motor, I don't want anything more than 325. haha.

And why EJ>FA?

When going from the EJ to the FA, you're just trading one weakness for others. Aside from better fuel economy, there's no real benefit to the new engine. EJs are known to have ringlands or bearings go. FAs have seen the same issues, plus rod failures when modified. It isn't really an upgrade; you're just picking which failures you'd prefer to have lol.

Furthermore, it sounds gross (subjective) and falls on its face at higher RPMs.

Now, if they gave us an FA20DIT that utilized forged internals, better cooling, and more top end power, while increasing reliabilty/durability, I'd be on board. Until that day comes though, I'll stick with the EJ.