Subaru retires the gas-powered WRX STI in pursuit of electrification

The next generation Subaru WRX could be the STI Electric. In a press release shared by the automaker on Friday, Subaru says it has no plans to build a gas-powered STI based on this generation's WRX platform.

"Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification," the company writes. "In the meantime, the WRX STI, the next generation internal combustion engine based on the new WRX platform, will not be produced."

Subaru cites its efforts to meet regulations and requirements for "greenhouse gases (GHG), zero emission vehicles (ZEV), and corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ)" as the reason behind the change.

The STI is Subaru's flagship performance vehicle and is usually released alongside its WRX lineup. While the STI may eventually make a comeback, it may trade its exhaust pipe for a battery pack. Subaru's first electric vehicle, the Solterra, is expected to go on sale sometime this year, and has both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive models that come with a 71.4kWh battery.