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.