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STI

Car culture term

STI
Photo: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons · CC0

What is STI?

Subaru Tecnica International. Subaru in-house performance and motorsport division. Famous for WRX STI variants and rally racing programs.

STI (Subaru Tecnica International) is Subaru in-house performance and motorsport division, founded in 1988. The division produces high-performance variants of Subaru production cars (most famously the WRX STI), aftermarket parts, and competes in motorsport including the World Rally Championship (Subaru WRC era of 1995-2008), Nürburgring 24-Hour, and various other racing programs.

The Subaru WRX STI was the flagship STI product across multiple generations from 1992 to 2021. The cars used the EJ-series turbocharged boxer four-cylinder, all-wheel drive with sophisticated DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), and chassis tuning derived from rally racing experience. The Impreza WRX STI versions of the GC8, GD, GR, GV, and VA generations all carried the STI lineage. The WRX STI ended production in 2021; no successor has been confirmed.

STI also produces parts and packages for other Subaru models. STI body kits, suspension components, and exhaust systems are available for various Subaru products. The STI brand identity (cherry red badging, gold BBS wheels, blue paint) has become iconic and influential beyond just the WRX STI. The brand commands respect in the global Subaru enthusiast community.

Related terms

TRDNismo

Frequently asked questions

What does STI stand for?
Subaru Tecnica International. Founded 1988 as Subaru performance and motorsport arm. The division has been responsible for WRX STI variants, rally programs, and aftermarket Subaru parts development.
Why was the STI discontinued in 2021?
Subaru announced the WRX STI discontinuation citing the difficulty of meeting modern emissions and crash safety regulations with the EJ-series boxer engine, plus declining sales of high-performance Subaru variants globally. The WRX continues but without the STI badge. A future STI revival has been hinted at but not confirmed.
What is the most legendary STI?
The 22B STI from 1998. A homologation special built to celebrate Subaru three consecutive WRC wins. Wide-body, two-door, 280 horsepower (probably more), 400 units produced, all originally JDM. Clean examples now sell for over $300,000 today. Other notable STIs include the 22B-tuned cars, the S-series limited editions (S204, S205, S206), and the various JDM-only RA Type RA-R variants.
Is STI part of Subaru?
Yes. STI is Subaru wholly-owned performance subsidiary. Unlike some independent tuner houses (Mugen for Honda, Brabus for Mercedes), STI is officially part of the Subaru corporate structure. STI products are factory Subaru products with full warranty support.
Are aftermarket STI parts still available?
Yes, through Subaru dealers and STI-licensed retailers. STI continues to produce parts for older WRX STI models. The STI catalog includes suspension components, exhaust systems, body kits, and various engine and chassis upgrades. Some legacy parts have become harder to source as production ramped down.

STI on the blog

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How many LaFerraris were made?
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