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How is the newly-remodeled 2022 Subaru WRX performing after Subaru dropped the STI? We now have nearly a full year of next-generation WRX sales, and we can see how much Subaru misses the STI.
Subaru of America reports sales of the next-generation WRX are up in November amidst a rollercoaster ride this year. The WRX was up in July and August, and the next-generation Subaru WRX showed signs of life after the STI. But Subaru of America (SOA) reports sales significantly dropped in September and even more in October. And now November sales are up.
The Camden, N.J. automaker reports the next-generation WRX saw an increase of 89.4 percent in November, with 2,080 performance-tuned sedans delivered to customers. They sold 1,098 in November 2021. How many performance models would they have sold with the STI included this year?
How is the WRX doing through the eleven months of 2022? Subaru of America has sold 16,466 WRX sports cars in 2022, down 34.4 percent from the 25,104 sold through the first eleven months of 2021. Without the performance-tuned STI to prop up sales, the WRX has the most significant percentage of decrease of any Subaru model in SOA's lineup.
It was a mistake for Subaru to drop the STI
The 34.4 percent drop represents the number of STI models that would have likely sold if Subaru still had the performance-tuned STI sedan. The new WRX sales this year are what would be expected on its own merits without the STI.
What's next for the WRX STI?
Subaru says they dropped the STI to develop a new all-electric performance model. But it's not coming anytime soon.
When will performance enthusiasts see the new WRX STI?
Subaru Corporation could take five to eight years to return to the STI performance sports car. It will look very different and be either all-electric, have hybrid technology, or have an internal combustion engine under the hood scoop that runs on a new synthetic fuel. Subaru is looking into all possibilities.
Why will it take Subaru so long to develop the next-generation STI?
Subaru Corporation and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) are looking at the best possibilities for the STI while waiting to see what happens with battery-electric technology. But Subaru isn't standing on the sidelines. They have already begun testing the 1073 horsepower STI E-RA unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon this year.
We recently reported Subaru of America and Vermont SportsCar, the Camden, N.J. automaker's motorsports partner, announced they would enter the Nitro RX Championship's new all-electric Group E division this year. They will begin running an all-new 1073 horsepower all-electric Nitro Rallycross (Nitro RX) performance car. Check out the complete report here.
Should buyers wait for the 2023 WRX?
The 2023 WRX is the last model in the lineup to be announced. There are no advantages to waiting for the 2023 WRX. Subaru Corporation will make minor changes to the 2023 WRX, and there will be a price increase for the 2023 model. The 2023 WRX won't arrive until early next year.
What is the price of the 2022 Subaru WRX?
The 2022 WRX is still a good value. The 6-speed manual trim level starts at $30,600. The WRX with Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) is $32,450, the WRX Premium 6-speed manual is $33,100, WRX Premium SPT is $35,150, the WRX Limited 6-speed manual is $37,490, WRX Limited SPT is $39,740, and WRX GT is $43,390. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($995).
What would help the WRX now before the STI arrives?
Subaru needs to bring back the WRX hatchback body style. A performance WRX hatch would bring in more buyers for the sports car. The hatch offers customers who are outdoor enthusiasts more utility to carry outdoor gear, camping, and sports equipment. It's what the WRX fans want and what the sport-tuned needs now.
The next-generation 2022 Subaru WRX sales are down 34.4 percent year-to-date, the most significant drop of any Subaru model through the first eleven months of 2022. It's not because the WRX is a bad sports car; it's because the next-generation STI would sell well, and sales would be up significantly.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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