2015 Subaru WRX STI leaked

Is this the 2015 Subaru WRX STI?

Czech car site autoforum.cz has leaked eight images of what appear to be the new WRX STI, complete with over-sized rear wing, quad exhaust system, aggressive ground effects body work and the iconic WRC blue paint job matched to gold alloy wheels.

Arguably the most important new vehicle launch for Subaru in 2014, the new WRX STI represents the pinnacle of performance for the brand, often dubbed as a giant-killer.

Due to make its global debut at the Detroit motor show on January 14, ahead of its May launch in Australia, the new model benchmarked the Porsche 911 in terms of performance parameters, says Subaru, so expect big improvements in terms of chassis and powertrain dynamics.

Though technical details of the WRX STI are still a closely guarded secret (for now), the range-topping all-paw halo model is expected to punch out more power and torque than its WRX donor car's 199kW/349Nm, and potentially more than the current STI's 221kW/407Nm.

However the burning question is which engine will do the punching?

There is talk of a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine providing propulsion for the Subaru's hero car, but a hi-po version of the direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo boxer engine already previewed in the new Levorg wagon concept is also a possibility, worth 221kW/400Nm in that application.

Either way performance figures will be sharp, expected to better the new WRX's 5.4 second 0-100km/h by a significant margin, entering mid to high 4.0 second territory for standing start acceleration.

Unlike the Levorg wagon concept the WRX STI is tipped to be a sedan-only proposition, like the WRX.

Stay tuned for the Subaru WRX STI's full reveal from Detroit.

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