Subaru’s new WRX gave us some hope for the future of Subaru pocket rockets. Built on a new and longer platform, the WRX is stiffer than before and it comes with an all-new engine, which also brought horsepower to 268. Learning that the new WRX STI, which goes on sale in April, is powered by the same EJ-series flat-four that’s in the outgoing STI sucked the wind out of our excitement sails in a major way. The 2.5-liter turbo four makes identical power and torque figures, 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft, as does the ’14 model. Those ratings haven’t budged since the 2008 model debuted. Salesmen will surely point out the STI’s giant rear wing before they divulge that the STI is but 37 horsepower richer than the ’15 WRX.

Both the STI and WRX share the Impreza’s platform, giving the new STI a longer wheelbase for added stability and more interior room, and a little more overall length. Strategically placed braces make the STI’s chassis slightly stiffer than the WRX and the added length allows for a slightly larger trunk—like the regular WRX, the STI is sedan only, for now. Subaru claims smaller A-pillars and a raked windshield improve forward visibility.

Subaru quickened the steering ratio, from 15.0:1 to 13.0:1, in order to maintain a suitable level of liveliness in wheel. Purists will rejoice over the Japanese automaker sticking with hydraulic steering over a feel- and feedback-zapping electric rack, even if the electric rack in the new WRX is at the top of its class.

View Photos MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

Using the same six-speed manual and trio of limited-slip differentials, the new STI’s most noteworthy chassis addition is a brake-based torque-vectoring system for the front axle. The same system works well in the WRX and should reduce understeer, a trait that plagued previous STIs, especially on a racetrack.

Before torque reaches the helical-type front or Torsen rear limited-slip differentials, it must go through the Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). It is also of the limited-slip variety and has a few modes that vary the fore-aft torque split automatically. There is also a driver-selectable manual mode. In its most extreme setting, the DCCD will direct 65 percent of the torque to the rear wheels.

This is the same transmission and differential setup as before and it is, along with the small power bump and STI-spec stiffer springs and dampers, what will justify the premium over a regular WRX.

Base STIs should start around $36,500 and are, according to Subaru, the best equipped STIs in history. All STIs come standard with Alcantara-and-leather seats, dual-zone climate control, satellite radio, LED low-beam lights, and heated seats and mirrors.

A special Launch Edition WRX STI is limited to 1000 units and adds gold-painted forged-aluminum BBS wheels, blue leather accents (instead of red in the base car), keyless start, and a short-throw shifter. The WRX STI Limited trim adds the same wheels as the Launch edition, full-leather seats, a Harman/Kardon audio system, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and automatic headlights. Keyless start is optional on base and Limited models, and navigation is optional across the board.

View Photos MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

Subaru is keeping a lid on the curb weight, although if the ’15 WRX is any indication, expect the new STI to gain 50 pounds and weigh in at about 3450. Acceleration figures will be very similar to the outgoing STI with a 0–60 time in the low fives and a mid-13-second quarter-mile.

Previous WRXs proved to be quicker to 60 mph than the pricier STIs, mainly because the STI required two shifts where the WRXs didn’t. We can only assume the new STI will still need two shifts to reach 60 mph, because gearing and tire size carryover from the outgoing model. Fuel economy shouldn’t budge much, either, from the ’14’s ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 23 highway.

Track-bound STIs shouldn’t have a problem out-lapping the new WRX because the STI carries a racier chassis tune, makes slightly more power, and has the fancy differential setup. We’ll know for sure when we have both cars at Virginia International Raceway for our next installment of Lightning Lap later this year.

MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER

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