Subaru WRX STI Final Edition revealed

Subaru Australia is saying farewell to the current-generation Subaru WRX STI with a strictly limited-edition model, ahead of the impending arrival of an all-new generation of performance cars.

The Japanese car maker’s new-generation 2021 Subaru WRX will launch late this year, followed by a higher-output new Subaru WRX STI in 2022.

Both will be powered by a version of the new FA24 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol boxer engine, replacing the popular EJ25 that’s been on offer since 2006.

While the WRX will pump out around 213kW/412Nm, the more potent STI is set to deliver 294kW of power and 490Nm of torque.

That’s a 73kW/83Nm increase from the current EJ25-powered 2021 Subaru WRX STI, which would make the new-gen model the most powerful STI yet.

Ahead of its arrival, Subaru Australia has launched an ultra-limited run of just 75 Subaru WRX STI EJ25 Final Edition cars with a range of eye-catching features to set it apart from its standard brethren.

Prices start from $62,440 plus on-road costs, a neat $3000 upstream of the STI spec.R AWD it's based on.

The extra coin brings special Final Edition badging, including a numbered plaque for the interior and a plate in the engine bay, along with a red push-start button, silver interior stitching and carbon fibre-look instrument panel decoration.

Recaro bucket seats for the driver and front passenger are also included, finished with silver highlights to match, while an Ultra-suede steering wheel and silver seat belts top off the interior.

Outside, the Final Edition can be easily spotted with its gold 19-inch forged alloy wheels, silver Brembo brake callipers with an STI logo and black-out treatment for the WRX rear wing, front fender insert (with WRX logo), door mirror covers and shark fin antenna.

Exterior paint options are limited to WR Blue Pearl (50 units), Crystal White Pearl (15 units) and Crystal Black Silica (10 units).

“We’re getting towards the last in line for fourth-gen STI, which has served us so well since [its 2014] launch,” said Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read.

“It’s the car that underpinned Molly Taylor’s 2016 win in the Australian Rally Championship, which is an indication of its fantastic credentials as a capable performance car.

“This final edition pays tribute to an engine and chassis combo that have earned their stripes in both competition and on road as an adrenaline-pumping, fun drive.”

As a very special option, customers can pay an extra $1000 – which gets donated the Australian Road Safety Foundation, supported by Subaru Australia – in exchange for an “individualised delivery experience” that sees rally stars Molly Taylor, Cody Crocker, Mark Stacey or Dean Herridge hand over the vehicle at the customer’s home or office location.

Subaru says the choice of rally legend is determined by the customer’s location, with city and state taken into consideration.